How GISTM Principles 2, 5, and 6 Reinforce the Importance of Water Management in Tailings Safety
Mining, one of the most resource-intensive activities, faces significant challenges in the safe and responsible management of tailings.
To address this, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) was created to prevent disasters and ensure the protection of people, communities, and the environment.
Among the many factors that directly impact the integrity of tailings structures, water stands out as a critical element—from both engineering and sustainability perspectives.
This article explores how water management connects with three fundamental principles of GISTM: Principle 2, Principle 5, and Principle 6.
Principle 2: An Integrated Knowledge Base as the Foundation of Safety
What the principle states:
Develop and maintain an interdisciplinary knowledge base, updated throughout the entire lifecycle of the tailings facility. This includes social, environmental, and economic data.
Where water comes in:
Water management is an essential part of this base. Understanding hydrological and hydrogeological regimes, as well as the quality of surface and groundwater, is critical for anticipating structural risks, infiltration issues, and instability.
Practical application:
- Installation of monitoring wells
- Hydrological modeling and flow scenarios
- Frequent assessments of water quality and quantity
The more precise and up-to-date this database is, the more effective the decision-making process for dam safety.
Principle 5: Robust Water Management Systems Are Essential
What the principle states:
Implement systems and procedures to manage risks throughout all phases of the tailings facility lifecycle—from design to closure.
Connection to water:
Water management must cover the entire water balance of the facility, preventing water accumulation that could compromise dam stability.
Importance:
Poor water management is one of the most common causes of dam failures. Undersized or poorly maintained drainage systems exponentially increase risks.
Practical application:
- Detailed plans for water diversion, storage, and treatment
- Frequent inspections of drainage structures, spillways, and channels
- Use of real-time monitoring technologies for water levels and quality
Managing water effectively also ensures environmental compliance and strengthens stakeholder confidence.
Principle 6: Technological Innovation as an Ally in Water Safety
What the principle states:
Incorporate new technologies and emerging approaches to optimize the design, construction, and operation of tailings facilities.
How water fits in:
Innovative water management technologies—such as smart sensors, predictive models, alert systems, and treatment methods—are crucial for anticipating risks and enabling agile responses.
Examples of applied technologies:
- Piezometric sensors connected to dashboards
- Climate modeling software for extreme events
- Automated systems for water level and quality control
Practical application:
Companies should continuously evaluate new solutions, establish partnerships with technology providers, conduct field tests, and train their teams.
Regularly updating water management plans to incorporate innovation is the path to increased efficiency and safety.
Conclusion: Water Links Engineering, Safety, and Sustainability
Water management is not an auxiliary aspect—it is central to ensuring compliance with GISTM Principles 2, 5, and 6.
By treating water management with the rigor and attention it deserves, mining companies:
- Reduce the risk of catastrophic failures
- Protect the environment and communities
- Strengthen their reputation and ESG performance
- Prepare themselves for an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape
In other words, a safe tailings structure begins—and ends—with effective water management.
