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.

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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?

Select the compliance status of the seepage control.

To ensure that seepage is controlled and does not pose an environmental risk.
2
What is the frequency of water quality monitoring around the tailings facility (in days)?

Enter monitoring frequency in days.

Regular monitoring is essential for environmental protection and compliance.
Min1
Target30
Max90
3
Is there an established emergency preparedness plan for the tailings storage facility?

Indicate if an emergency preparedness plan is in place.

An emergency plan is crucial for quick response in case of incidents.
4
Provide a summary of stakeholder engagement activities conducted regarding tailings management.

Summarize your stakeholder engagement efforts.

Engaging stakeholders is vital for building trust and ensuring transparency.
5
What is the current status of the dam's structural integrity?

Select the status of the dam's structural integrity.

Assessing structural integrity is critical for dam safety and risk mitigation.
6
What is the current seepage measurement from the dam (in liters per second)?

Enter the seepage measurement in liters per second.

Monitoring seepage is essential to ensure dam safety and environmental protection.
Min0
Target5
Max20
7
When was the last inspection of the dam conducted?

Select the date of the last inspection.

Regular inspections are necessary to maintain compliance and safety.
8
Have all regulatory compliance requirements been met for the dam?

Indicate whether regulatory compliance has been achieved.

Ensuring compliance with regulations is crucial for operational safety.
9
Is the tailings management plan being followed as per regulatory requirements?

Select the compliance status of the tailings management plan.

Compliance with the management plan is essential for operational integrity and environmental protection.
10
What percentage of emergency equipment is currently available and functional?

Enter the percentage of available emergency equipment.

Ensuring availability of emergency equipment is crucial for response to incidents.
Min0
Target100
Max100
11
Describe the current water management strategies in place at the tailings facility.

Provide details of the water management strategies.

Effective water management is vital for sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
12
When is the next scheduled operational review for the tailings facility?

Select the date for the next scheduled review.

Regular reviews help in maintaining compliance and operational safety.
13
Has emergency response training been conducted for personnel working at the tailings storage facility?

Select the status of emergency response training.

Training is essential to ensure personnel are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.
14
How often is the tailings level monitored (in hours)?

Enter the frequency of tailings level monitoring in hours.

Regular monitoring of tailings levels is critical for preventing overflow and ensuring safety.
Min1
Target12
Max24
15
Are the seepage detection systems fully operational at the tailings storage facility?

Indicate if the seepage detection systems are operational.

Operational seepage detection systems are vital for early identification of potential issues.
16
Provide a summary of community engagement activities related to the tailings storage facility.

Summarize the community engagement activities conducted.

Engaging with the community fosters trust and addresses stakeholder concerns.
17
Has the facility passed the latest regulatory inspection for tailings management?

Select the result of the latest regulatory inspection.

Passing regulatory inspections is crucial for maintaining operational legitimacy and safety.
18
What is the average daily volume of tailings generated (in cubic meters)?

Enter the average daily volume of tailings in cubic meters.

Monitoring tailings volume is essential for effective management and environmental compliance.
Min0
Target5000
Max20000
19
When was the last environmental audit conducted at the tailings facility?

Select the date of the last environmental audit.

Regular environmental audits are necessary to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
20
Is there a maintenance schedule in place for the tailings storage facility?

Indicate if a maintenance schedule exists.

A maintenance schedule is critical to ensure the integrity and safety of the 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