Effective water management of Tailings Management Facilities (TMFs) is integral to sustainable mining practices. This paper highlights the challenges in current water balance (WB) modeling practices associated with TMFs and how the absence of guidelines that outline the objectives, applications, and limitations of these models results in differing expectations between stakeholders and inconsistent approaches between consultants within the industry.

In response to these challenges, a proposed framework aimed at WB models for assessing the impacts of TMFs on receiving streams is introduced. The framework outlines minimum data requirements, calculations, and key findings expected at each stage of the project, fostering interaction between key disciplines such as surface water and groundwater. By providing a structured approach, the framework addresses the variability in mine concepts throughout project stages, with the goal to develop robust models that produce the required outcomes across the industry.

A key aspect of the proposed framework is to start with a clear objective of the modelling, that stakeholders agree to, and a fundamental understanding of the system.

Another key aspect is the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The framework encourages a holistic approach to data integration, recognizing the limited interaction between disciplines when establishing baseline conditions and subsequently representing the TMF.  Collaborative effort enhances the accuracy and reliability of the models, contributing to more informed risk-informed-decision-making.

Furthermore, the framework suggests clear procedures for documentation and communication. It establishes a transparent communication framework to bridge the gap between expectations from different stakeholders regarding the capabilities of WB models. By doing so, the framework aims to foster better understanding, alignment, and confidence in the outcomes of these crucial models.

Additionally, the framework proposes strategies for model validation, addressing the limited ways to validate results. By providing suggested procedures for validation, the framework enhances the credibility of WB models, ensuring that the outcomes are robust and dependable.

The proposed framework addresses potential gaps in current methodologies, offering a structured approach to data integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, documentation, and validation. Implementation of this framework is anticipated to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable mining practices by enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and stakeholder confidence in the outcomes of these crucial models.