SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN - MIRMgate

• re-evaluate downstream risks
• re-visit the facility design, construction operation and closure plans and programmes
• review remedial action plan implementation.
Action plans should be developed and implemented for items identified during inspections, audits or
reviews that require corrective action. A time frame for the corrective action should be established
and agreed to.
A detailed checklist for items to be addressed during a review or audit is included in Appendix D5.
Management Review for Continual Improvement
In order to achieve continuous improvement in tailings management, Group companies should
implement an annual senior management review of the adequacy of policies, objectives and
performance of the tailings management system. The review should include an assessment of the
performance of the tailings disposal facility, the associated environmental impacts, closure, safety and
other issues. Consideration should be given to determine where technology should be transferred and
environmental and safety research should be advanced.
The scope of this review should be appropriate to the levels of the identified risk and re-assess the
need for changes to system in light of inspection reports, changing circumstances, recommendations
and the commitment to continuous improvement. Continuous improvement should be achieved
through the adoption of the appropriate level of practice, improved operational quality and risk
minimisation, anticipation of changes in legislation that could require higher standards, and focus on
sustainable closure as the end goal.
Decommissioning and Closure
Whilst it is not a regulatory requirement in all countries to have approved closure plans it is likely that
most major mining countries will do so in the future. Sustainable closure requires a concerted,
properly managed and integrated team effort. The so-called "Design for Closure", starting at project
inception and continuing throughout the lifecycle of the facility, is becoming a widely accepted principle.
The long-term environmental, health and safety risks posed by the facility after closure should be
assessed to facilitate the closure design process and it should be closed properly to ensure a
sustainable solution in accordance with planned ultimate land use.
Guidance on standards of practice for a ‘Design for the Environment’ approach to closure is given in a
checklist included in Appendix D6.
Worker Safety
It is self evident that worker safety is one of the most important aspects of tailings facility management,
and a fundamental objective of Anglo American plc Golden Rules. Achievement of worker safety is a
natural outcome of many of the other activities highlighted in this bulletin, and safety issues are an
integral part of risk assessment.
The Anglo American Golden Rules for Safety are included in Appendix D7.
Competency and training are fundamental and are addressed in a separate section below.
Emergency Response
Emergency preparedness and response plans should be prepared and documented in order to protect
communities and the environment by minimising possible impacts. These plans should be based on
the tailings facility failure mode and event, risk and dam-break assessments.
The emergency preparedness and response plan would typically contain:
• a safety classification in terms of risk to human life and property (low, medium and high hazard)
• an environmental classification in terms of risk to water, air and land
Issued by the Anglo Technical Division page 10 of 47