Product Overview

Summary: This Tailings Storage Facility Management SOP provides a structured, defensible approach for planning, operating, monitoring and closing tailings storage facilities in line with Australian WHS and environmental expectations. It helps mining and resources operators control catastrophic failure risks, protect workers and downstream communities, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and stakeholders.

Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are high‑consequence structures, and their failure can result in multiple fatalities, severe environmental harm and long‑term reputational damage. This Tailings Storage Facility Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for the safe lifecycle management of tailings facilities on Australian mine and quarry sites. It translates technical dam engineering, geotechnical and process safety requirements into step‑by‑step operational controls that frontline teams can actually follow.

The SOP covers the full TSF lifecycle – from design intent handover and construction interface, through day‑to‑day deposition, water balance control, inspections and trigger action response plans, to decommissioning and closure. It supports compliance with WHS duties to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, while aligning with contemporary tailings governance expectations from regulators, investors and local communities. By implementing this SOP, businesses can standardise TSF practices across shifts and contractors, reduce reliance on individual knowledge, and provide clear evidence of due diligence in the event of audits, incidents or regulatory scrutiny.

Developed for Australian conditions, this procedure complements site-specific design reports and operations manuals prepared by geotechnical and dam specialists. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between owners, operators and external engineers; sets minimum inspection and surveillance frequencies; and embeds robust communication and escalation pathways. The result is a practical, field‑ready document that helps your organisation manage one of its most critical material risks in a consistent, transparent and auditable way.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of TSF instability, overtopping and catastrophic failure through consistent operational controls and surveillance.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and dam safety expectations by documenting clear, auditable management practices.
• Standardise TSF operating practices across all shifts, contractors and satellite facilities to improve reliability and control.
• Improve early detection and response to adverse trends through structured inspections, monitoring and trigger action response plans.
• Strengthen stakeholder confidence by demonstrating robust governance over tailings, water management and downstream community risks.

Who is this for?

• Mine Managers
• Tailings Engineers
• Processing Plant Managers
• Operations Superintendents
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Environmental Managers
• Dam Safety Engineers
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Contractor Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Catastrophic tailings dam failure leading to multiple fatalities and major environmental damage
• Structural instability of embankments due to poor deposition practices or uncontrolled loading
• Overtopping from inadequate freeboard, extreme rainfall or water mismanagement
• Liquefaction and loss of strength in tailings due to excessive saturation or seismic events
• Uncontrolled release of contaminated water or slurry to the environment
• Worker exposure to unstable ground, soft tailings beaches and sinkholes during inspections or maintenance
• Vehicle rollovers and bogging incidents on TSF walls, ramps and access roads
• Exposure to hazardous process water, reagents or dust from dried tailings
• Confined space and engulfment risks associated with decant structures, pipelines and sumps
• Emergency response risks during high‑rainfall events, seismic activity or observed structural distress

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions, Abbreviations and References
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 TSF Description, Design Intent and Critical Controls
• 5.0 Planning and Pre‑Operational Requirements
• 6.0 Tailings Deposition and Water Balance Management
• 7.0 Freeboard, Pond Location and Beach Management
• 8.0 Inspection, Surveillance and Monitoring Requirements
• 9.0 Instrumentation Management (Piezometers, Inclinometers, Survey Monuments)
• 10.0 Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) and Escalation Protocols
• 11.0 Traffic Management and Access Controls on TSF Walls and Surrounds
• 12.0 Interaction with Construction, Raising and Capital Works
• 13.0 Pipeline, Pumping and Decant System Operation and Maintenance
• 14.0 Management of Extreme Weather, Seismic Events and Abnormal Conditions
• 15.0 Environmental Protection and Water Quality Controls
• 16.0 Contractor Management and Permit‑to‑Work on TSFs
• 17.0 Emergency Preparedness, Response and Notification Requirements
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Audit Requirements
• 20.0 TSF Closure, Rehabilitation and Post‑Closure Monitoring
• 21.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Change Management

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• ANCOLD Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure
• ANCOLD Guidelines on Dam Safety Management
• AS 5100 series – Bridge design (for relevant structural and access considerations)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids (where process reagents are stored near TSFs)
• Relevant state and territory Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulations (e.g. QLD, NSW, WA mining safety legislation)
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and applicable state environmental protection legislation