Abstract:

A systematic approach to risk assessment has long been common practice at mine operations, particularly with the review and management of risks associated with industrial and process facilities. These systems are often well documented, with good institutional knowledge at site on the specifics of their implementation, and the connection between probability, consequence and risk; common language to the management of risks associated with the operation of tailings facilities. By adapting the existing risk management systems already in place at operations to non-industrial settings, mine operators would enable their personnel to identify, quantify, and manage risk using the same processes and language, improving risk visibility and understanding throughout the entire organization. Historically tailings facility risk assessments have followed a consultant’s approach and therefore there was little consistency across the mining company’s portfolio. As the results of assessments are more commonly made public, consistency across a mining company’s portfolio is increasingly important. Therefore, it is important to show a clear relationship between the risks, and risk controls and response plans enacted to manage the risks.

In 2020, Vale embarked on the process of adapting their existing Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (HIRA) methodology, developed for industrial facilities, to be applied to the dams and TSFs owned and operated by Vale globally. Up to the end of 2022, the system has been used for over 122 High, Very High, and Extreme Consequence structures operated by Vale globally. The adapted HIRA methodology, as applied to dams and TSFs, incorporates modern dam safety practices, and combines these within the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Risk Management Framework, focusing on Critical Control identification and Critical Control Management. This presentation will provide an overview of Vale’s HIRA process for dams and TSFs and will discuss the challenges and benefits of implementing the process globally within Vale. It will also illustrate how the Best Available Practices from the industrial process engineering and dam engineering fields can be combined to achieve improved communication, risk visibility and streamlined risk management processes.

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Sean Hinchberger