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Mine Tailings Management and Dam Safety Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing mine tailings management practices and dam safety, focusing on risk mitigation, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Mine Tailings Management and Dam Safety Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Effective tailings management and dam safety are critical for environmental protection and risk mitigation in the mining industry. This comprehensive Mine Tailings Management and Dam Safety Audit Checklist is designed to evaluate the integrity, performance, and environmental impact of tailings storage facilities. By systematically assessing dam structure, seepage control, water management, emergency preparedness, and environmental monitoring, this checklist helps mining companies ensure compliance with regulations, prevent catastrophic failures, and maintain sustainable operations. Regular audits using this checklist can significantly reduce environmental and safety risks associated with tailings facilities, enhancing stakeholder trust and operational sustainability.

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Industry

Mining and Metals

Standard

GISTM - Tailings Management Standard

Workspaces

Industrial Sites

Occupations

Geotechnical Engineer
Environmental Manager
Tailings Facility Manager
Mine Safety Officer
Hydrologist
1
Is the seepage control system effective in preventing seepage from the tailings storage facility?
2
What is the frequency of water quality monitoring around the tailings facility (in days)?
Min: 1
Target: 30
Max: 90
3
Is there an established emergency preparedness plan for the tailings storage facility?
4
Provide a summary of stakeholder engagement activities conducted regarding tailings management.
5
What is the current status of the dam's structural integrity?
6
What is the current seepage measurement from the dam (in liters per second)?
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 20
7
When was the last inspection of the dam conducted?
8
Have all regulatory compliance requirements been met for the dam?
9
Is the tailings management plan being followed as per regulatory requirements?
10
What percentage of emergency equipment is currently available and functional?
Min: 0
Target: 100
Max: 100
11
Describe the current water management strategies in place at the tailings facility.
12
When is the next scheduled operational review for the tailings facility?
13
Has emergency response training been conducted for personnel working at the tailings storage facility?
14
How often is the tailings level monitored (in hours)?
Min: 1
Target: 12
Max: 24
15
Are the seepage detection systems fully operational at the tailings storage facility?
16
Provide a summary of community engagement activities related to the tailings storage facility.
17
Has the facility passed the latest regulatory inspection for tailings management?
18
What is the average daily volume of tailings generated (in cubic meters)?
Min: 0
Target: 5000
Max: 20000
19
When was the last environmental audit conducted at the tailings facility?
20
Is there a maintenance schedule in place for the tailings storage facility?

FAQs

Tailings management and dam safety audits should be conducted at least annually, with more frequent inspections for high-risk facilities or those in environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, comprehensive third-party audits should be performed every 3-5 years or after significant changes to the facility.

This checklist covers dam structural integrity, seepage control measures, water balance management, tailings deposition practices, monitoring systems, emergency response plans, environmental impact assessments, and closure planning.

The audit should be led by a qualified geotechnical engineer with expertise in tailings dam design and management. The team should include environmental specialists, hydrologists, and operational staff familiar with the facility. For comprehensive audits, independent third-party experts should be engaged.

The checklist includes items to evaluate water quality monitoring, dust control measures, groundwater protection, biodiversity impacts, and rehabilitation planning. It also assesses the effectiveness of measures to prevent contamination of surrounding ecosystems and water resources.

Yes, this checklist is designed to be applicable to various types of tailings storage facilities, including conventional dams, dry stack facilities, and in-pit storage. However, it may need to be customized to address specific design features, local regulations, and environmental conditions of each facility.

Benefits of Mine Tailings Management and Dam Safety Audit Checklist

Enhances environmental protection and water resource management

Ensures compliance with tailings management regulations and industry best practices

Helps prevent catastrophic dam failures and environmental disasters

Improves risk management and emergency preparedness

Builds stakeholder confidence and supports social license to operate