SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN - MIRMgate

aim is to ensure that not unavoidable risks, problems and/or legacies are left to future generations. A
process of continual management and continuous improvement throughout the life cycle is envisaged.
The minimum requirements for the management system is that it must be documented. The structure
is required to follow ISO 14 001. The management system and the residue must be audited by
qualified people. The frequency of audit is dependent on the hazard class.
In terms of safety, each facility is classified as having high, medium or low safety hazard according to
the spatial extent, duration and intensity of its potential impacts and is considered as either “significant”
or “not significant”. These classifications determine the minimum requirements for investigation,
design, construction, operation and decommissioning.
The code aims to provide control of mining activities from “cradle to grave” and identifies five phases in
the life cycle:
• Conceptualisation, planning and site selection
• investigations and tailings characterization
• design
• construction and operation
• decommissioning and aftercare
The South African Department of Minerals and Energy recently (May 2000) published a “Guidelines for
the Compilation of a Mandatory code of Practice on Mineral Deposits”. It is understood that it is now
mandatory for every mine in South Africa to prepare a site specific code of practice based on the SABS
0286 code, risk assessment and the Chamber of Mines Guidelines on the design, operation and
closure of mine residue deposits.
C.2 AUSTRALIA
The acts legislation of the various Australian states regulates the disposal of tailings. For example, in
Western Australia a Notice of Intent (NOI) addressing the environmental issues associated with the
mining project has to be submitted in accordance with the “Guidelines to Help you get Environmental
Approval for Mining Projects in Western Australia” (Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), 1998).
The NOI should contain on a Design Report. The design should be carried out in accordance with the
“Guidelines on the Safe Design and Operating Standards for Tailings Storage” (DME, 1999). The NOI
should contain a Design Report. The design should be carried out in accordance with the “Guidelines
on the Safe Design and Operating Standards for Tailings Storage” “(DME, 1999). The design is
required to take cognisance of developments, operational and rehabilitation/closure conditions. The
DME Guidelines set out minimum requirements in this regard.
Tailings facilities in Western Australia are categorized based on a “hazard rating”, coupled with the
maximum embankment height. All facilities over 15 m in height are considered to be a high category
that require the most stringent attention.
An operating licence may also be required. Operating licences usually stipulate specific conditions to
be adhered to during the various stages. An annual environmental audit is normally required.
Operation is to be carried out in accordance with the DME Guidelines on the Safe Design and
Operating Standards for Tailings Storage, and a site-specific Operating Manual is required for every
tailings facility. The manual should be prepared in accordance with the Guidelines on the Development
of an Operating Manual for Tailings Storage (DME, 1999). It is a requirement to periodically review and
update operating manuals.
The DME require periodic technical audits to be carried out during the operational phase on all tailings
facilities. The Guidelines on the Safe Design and Operating Standards for Tailings Storage and the
Guidelines on the Development of an Operating Manual for Tailings Storage contain requirements in
this regard. An audit report is required annually for Category 1facilities, every tow years for Category 2
Issued by the Anglo Technical Division page 16 of 47