Mine Tailings Management and Regulation: An Overview

This briefing note addresses an issue of critical importance in mineral development: the management of mining waste (known as ‘tailings’). It is aimed at Commonwealth policymakers seeking a better understanding of mine tailings and the policy/ regulatory options available for addressing related concerns. The document will cover the following: why the issue is important, the impact of tailings on communities, how the management of tailings is relevant to governments, the emergence of a global standard for tailings management and the role governments can play in promoting best practice.