Sustainable Policy Standards for Tailings Management

Abstract

As the world progresses toward a green-energy society, the mining industry feels increased pressure to produce minerals like copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, aluminum, and rare-earth metals. The energy transition requires these resources for solar systems, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery-storage infrastructure. Global megatrends demand mining aligns its growth with Sustainable Development Principles. The industry prioritizes the safe and responsible management of tailings (a waste product left over from mineral processing activities). This paper includes a literature review and summarizes the key international guidelines that dictate responsible management of tailings facilities. It also presents a policy for the design, operation, and closure of tailings-storage facilities.