AusIMM, in conjunction with leading experts in the mining industry, has developed the Professional Certificate in Tailings Management. This 8 week online course delves into geotechnical, geochemical, governance, closure and socio-economic considerations of tailings management.

This course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of the principles, strategies, and best practices involved in managing tailings effectively.

Module 1 | Introduction to Tailings Management

• Describe the key elements of tailings management
• Explain the variations in tailings management globally
• Describe the cause(s) and impact(s) of tailings dam failures
• Discuss some opportunities for improvement to tailings management

Module 2 | Geotechnical considerations

• Identify the key geotechnical causes of tailings dam failures
• Explain tailings risk assessment methods and risk acceptability
• Explain tailings dam/storage design
• Discuss the key tailings geotechnical parameters
• Explain construction and operation to ensure compliance with the design intent

Module 3 | Geochemical and water considerations

• Explain the geochemical nature of tailings
• Identify the potential for contamination from tailings
• Understand the tailings water balance
• Describe the management of potentially contaminating tailings

Module 4 | Governance and surveillance

• Interpret multi-stakeholder governance
• Discuss regional and global guidelines
• Examine tailings management regulations
• Interpret corporate governance
• Discuss types of monitoring
• Explain links to triggers and emergency response
• Discuss frequency of monitoring and analysis

Module 5 | Tailings management for closure

• Explain residual risk and tailings closure opportunities
• Discuss closure challenges for tailings storage facilities
• Explain capping and revegetation of tailings
• Discuss learnings from tailings closure case studies

Module 6 | Socio-economic considerations

• Discuss financial and social license to operate
• Explain why communities matter in tailings management
• Understand sustainable tailings management
• Explain effective tailings stewardship
• Discuss net present value versus wholeof-life accounting
• Discuss post-mining land use and ecological function

This course is suitable for:

• Tailings consultants - Contractors and consultants.
• Mining companies - Head office senior management and technical personnel with a responsibility for tailings.
• Mining industry professionals - Tailings engineers, managers, and operators.

• A good working knowledge of English. Note: we also offer a version of this course in Spanish.
• AusIMM courses are generally suitable for people who have completed their tertiary education and have been in the workforce for at least two years.
• No other pre-requisites are required.