Conference of the Parties to the Industrial Accidents Convention helps strengthen mine tailings safety
For many countries, mining is an important industry in terms of economic and social development. Mining activities however generate hazardous waste that is commonly stored in ponds or tailings, often referred to as tailings management facilities (TMFs). Failures at TMFs have regularly led to environmental catastrophes with devastating effects on humans and the environment, as evidenced in Baia Mare (Romania) in 2000, Ridder (Kazakhstan) in 2016 or, more recently, in Brumadinho (Brazil) in 2019.
A huge step forward for ensuring mine tailings safety was reached today, with the adoption of the decision on strengthening mine tailings safety in the UNECE region and beyond at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Industrial Accidents Convention).
The decision urges Parties to review their legislation and policies on mine tailings storage and management against the Safety guidelines and good practices for tailings management facilities, which were published by UNECE in 2014. This will help to increase readiness to assess, manage and reduce future risks associated with natural hazards triggering technological accidents (Natech), which are expected to increase due to the combination of a growing demand for mineral resources and accrued climate-related extreme weather events.
The decision also further advances the Convention’s long-term strategy until 2030 by recognizing the importance of establishing a high level of mine tailings safety by addressing regional hotspots. With this decision, Parties have committed to preventing mine tailings accidents and their disastrous effects by enabling and enhancing transboundary cooperation. The decision also recommends all UNECE countries and invited countries beyond the region that extract mineral resources to use the above guidelines and the methodology to achieve their harmonized application.
On this occasion, UNECE is launching a new video on mine tailings safety highlighting the high risks that poorly designed and managed TMFs pose to societies, the environment and infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of preventing tailings failures, including their transboundary effects, and prioritizing safety. Furthermore, it explains the additional challenges that countries with economies in transition face with orphaned or abandoned TMFs. The video is available in English and Russian.