An action plan for the responsible management of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) to minimise dust.

Mine tailings storage facilities (TSFs) can have significant impacts on the environment and health of nearby communities, particularly as source of fine, respirable dust. TSF management in South Africa face several challenges including effective monitoring, mitigation and rehabilitation, underscored primarily by issues relating to governance. Through our previous engagements at NACA Conference workshops and our stakeholder engagement on the West Rand in March 2022 (see summary on www.minedust.org), we have solicited opinions from a number of stakeholders regarding the major challenges we face in successfully managing our TSFs. Building on the GCRF Mine Dust and Health Network’s previous engagements we would like to invite you to be part of the discussion to formulate an action plan for the effective management of TSFs and to set up a working group. An action plan is particularly relevant with the design and establishment of new super-TSFs, as well as sorting out the persistent problems relating to abandoned TSFs, and issues related to sudden mine closure. We will start the workshop with a panel discussion during the first session which will include a number of experts and stakeholders. The second session will be an open forum for all interested and affected parties to be part of the conversation to voice their opinion and potentially express an interest to be part of the working group. Two focus areas that we would like to cover is the development of an integrated regional plan for TSFs and their footprints post remining, and the establishment of a successful mine dust engagement forum for better community involvement.

Panel members include:

Jennifer Broadhurst (UCT) – chair of the panel, introduction

Andrew Barker (Development Consultant)– planning and development of TSFs, integrated development planning, land use planning ito TSFs and footprints. From land use planning perspective.

Mbali Mpanza (UJ)– mapping and the development of integrated regional plan for TSFs. Using mapping techniques as tools to support a regional management plan.

Willie du Plessis (Agreenco)– dust control and rehabilitation. Current trends, opportunities. What we could do with footprints. Building super TSFs. Barriers, drivers and opportunities for TSFs. Learning for practical experience for TSF management. Learnings from a practitioner perspective.

Harold Annegarn (NWU)– setting up a successful mine dust engagement forum for community involvement. ERGO experience.

Paula-Ann Novotny (Webber Wentzel) – governance of TSFs . Current regulations and their shortcomings. How to resolve this?

Mariette Liefferink (Federation for a Sustainable Environment) – community engagement. Success stories and challenges. How to engage successfully.