Kempton Park, a town built on the backbone of Gauteng’s extensive mining operations, is increasingly turning its attention to the critical issue of tailings dam safety. While active mining in the immediate vicinity has dwindled, the legacy of past operations, including numerous disused and rehabilitated sites, necessitates ongoing vigilance. The recent emphasis on the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) is bringing this often-overlooked aspect of mining into sharp focus for local communities and industry alike.
Tailings dams, essentially large containment facilities for the waste by-products of mineral extraction, pose significant environmental and safety risks if not properly managed. The catastrophic failures seen globally, though not directly in Kempton Park, serve as stark reminders of the potential for devastating consequences – from environmental pollution to loss of life. This has spurred a global push for more robust regulations and management practices, with GISTM at the forefront.
“The health and safety of our community is paramount,” states Ms. Nomusa Dlamini, a long-time resident and environmental advocate in Pomona. “We live with the remnants of mining all around us. Knowing that these sites are being properly monitored, especially with these new international standards, gives us some peace of mind.”
GISTM, launched in 2020, establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe management of tailings facilities, encompassing everything from planning and design to construction, operation, and closure. Its principles are designed to achieve the ultimate goal of zero harm to people and the environment. For South Africa’s mining sector, including those operations with a footprint near Kempton Park, compliance deadlines are looming, requiring significant investment in expertise and infrastructure.
Engineering firms play a crucial role in this transition. Companies like Jones Wagener, a well-respected South African consulting engineering and scientific firm, are actively involved in providing geotechnical, geo-environmental, and water engineering solutions specifically tailored to tailings facilities. Their work includes everything from initial site assessments and design to stability analyses, risk assessments, and the implementation of GISTM compliant management systems, ensuring that these structures are built and maintained to the highest safety standards.
“Achieving GISTM compliance isn't just about ticking boxes; it’s about fundamentally changing how we approach tailings management,” explains Mr. David van der Merwe, a consulting engineer with over 20 years of experience in the sector, speaking from his office near O.R. Tambo International Airport. “The standards demand a rigorous, multi-disciplinary approach, and firms with deep local knowledge are essential for successful implementation.”
The implications for Kempton Park extend beyond environmental protection. The emphasis on advanced engineering and stringent monitoring also creates opportunities for local employment in specialized fields. As the industry adapts to GISTM, there's a growing need for skilled professionals in environmental science, civil engineering, and geotechnical analysis.
For those seeking more information on the evolving landscape of tailings engineering and dam safety, resources like tailingsengineering.co.za serve as valuable directories, connecting stakeholders with relevant firms and industry insights. As Kempton Park looks to its future, ensuring the responsible management of its mining past remains a critical priority for both community well-being and environmental sustainability.