Abstract

After some major tailings dam failures, the mining industry has developed robust standards to prevent such occurrences. The aim is to strive to achieve the goal of zero harm to people and the environment with zero tolerance for human fatality. The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management requires Operators to take responsibility and prioritise the safety of tailings facilities, through all phases of a facility’s lifecycle, including closure and post-closure. It also requires the disclosure of relevant information to support public accountability. Jurisdictional regulatory framework or multilateral agencies working with the industry have established detailed procedures.

The main contributors to achieve this goal among others are the appointments of the Designer of Record (DoR); the Engineer of Record (EoR) and the Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB), who are at the forefront of successful mine waste management. They bring in state of the art knowledge of design, construction, operation, closure, and in-depth global perspective and experiences to address the complexities, and site-specific, project specific challenges to result in a successful mine waste mine management.

The authors of this paper have been engaged in or participated in all these three roles (EoR, DoR and ITRB) for several large-size mining projects around the globe. Prior to the introduction of EoR to mining industry, the authors have also been in a role of EoR for major infrastructure foundations and earthworks works (civil works) around the globe. In this paper an attempt is being made to present roles and responsibilities of the EoR and DoR, and their emerging new relationship in the regulatory framework to promote robust mine waste management facilities

Following Mount Polley incident Canada has taken a leadership role both for tailings dams and hydro dams in establishing roles and responsibilities for EoR, DoR and ITRB, which are also discussed in this paper. EoR for foundations and structures is an old concept, where mainly the construction takes in a one short, but the construction of mine waste management facilities is an ongoing process and continues for few decades followed by closure in many cases to perpetuity.

Typically for large-size mining projects outside engineering consulting firms are appointed to provide the EoR and DoR roles, with individuals designated as EoR and DoR with due approval from the owner. Often, these firms provide a multidisciplinary service in supporting these roles including geotechnical, geochemical, hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, and other disciplines as the project may demand. However, for smaller projects these can be internal owner appointed. These are uniquely independent roles, but over their engagement period they develop a unique relationship and trust for a wholistic robust lifelong mine waste management.

It requires from owners planning, dedication and being proactive in identifying, engaging, and ensuring continuity of these firms and individuals, since these firms and candidates are often in demand. There is also an immediate need from the current senior members of the industry to mentor and promote next generations to ensure future availability of such talents.