The Conformance Protocols help operators and independent third parties assess implementation of the Standards requirements, and ultimately to demonstrate conformance. They map to the Standards 77 requirements using 219 clear and concise criteria. Effective assessment of conformance to the Standard through ICMMs Conformance Protocols will help to demonstrate to all stakeholders that responsible practices are being applied across the tailings lifecycle.
This guidance is intended to support safe, responsible management of tailings across the global mining industry, with the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities and catastrophic events. It provides guidance on good governance and engineering practices that will support continual improvement in the management of tailings facilities and help foster and strengthen a corporate safety culture, with focus in the six key areas outlined in the 2016 Tailings Governance Framework: 1) Accountability, Responsibility, and Competency; 2) Planning and Resourcing; 3) Risk Management; 4) Change Management; 5) Emergency Preparedness and Response; and 6) Review and Assurance
Tailings production is inherent to mining and metals processing and will remain so for the foreseeable future. ICMM believes that the application of appropriate design and management standards and practices can make tailings facilities safe. ICMM members commit to the prevention of catastrophic failures of tailings facilities and to the continual improvement in the design, construction and operation of tailings facilities.