Introduction
Mines Rescue Consulting was engaged by a mining company to review and revise Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs) for multiple large tailings storage facilities, oxidation ponds, and water storage dams in Central Asia.
The project involved a combination of remote desktop work and onsite inspections, engaging directly with site teams to ensure plans were both compliant and practical in real-world conditions.
Situation
Following significant global disasters such as the Brumadinho tailings dam failure in Brazil (2019) and the Fundão Dam disaster (2015), the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) released the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
This standard requires mining companies to ensure they have adequate preparation, response, and recovery systems for potential emergencies.
As members of the ICMM, global mining companies including Anglo American, BHP, Glencore, Newmont, and Rio Tinto commit to meeting these principles.
The stakes are high.
The Brumadinho disaster released 12 million cubic metres of tailings, resulting in 270 fatalities and devastating a nearby community. The Fundão disaster released 60 million cubic metres into the Doce River, causing 19 fatalities and Brazil’s worst-ever environmental disaster.
Robust emergency preparedness and response plans can help mitigate such catastrophic consequences, providing systems for early warning, intervention, and structured recovery.
Challenge
Mines Rescue Consulting was engaged to:
- Develop minimum standards for TSF Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans
- Review and audit site-specific EPRPs
- Audit site-specific emergency response facilities
- Revise and rewrite EPRPs, including Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) based on engineering designs
- Update emergency plans following updated Dam Break Assessments (DBAs)
This work was conducted in line with recognised international and national standards, including:
- Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM)
- USA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Third Edition
- UN Economic Commission – Safety Guidelines for Tailings Management
- ISO 22320:2018 – Emergency Management Guidelines for Incident Management
- ISO 22398:2013 – Guidelines for Exercises
- Australian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS)
Outcome
The plans now reflect current best practice, incorporate updated engineering and risk data, and provide clear, actionable steps for prevention, response, and recovery, whilst ensuring the plans are tailored to the unique risks of each facility.
Insights and Expertise
The project provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by mine sites globally in managing tailings dam safety. Mines Rescue Consulting was able to add value by applying its multidisciplinary expertise across:
- Emergency and crisis management systems
- Mining engineering and mine management
- Legal frameworks and compliance standards for the mining industry
Our practical experience and ability to integrate global standards into site-specific solutions have positioned us as a trusted partner for mining companies seeking to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.
