The Global Tailing Review (GTR) has delayed the publication of its draft standard for mine tailings management for public comment.
After initially announcing on Monday that the draft standard had been published, it published an update later in the day to say the draft standard was not yet finalised and would be published for comment in due course.
The GTR was convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in June to establish an international standard on tailings facilities management.
The independent GTR is led by chairperson Dr Bruno Oberle, supported by an interdisciplinary expert panel and informed by a multi-stakeholder advisory group. It has completed its initial research phase, including engaging with communities living and working near tailings storage facilities and evaluating current best practices from the mining industry.
This research informed the development of the draft standard.
The final standard and accompanying recommendations report, which will outline broader proposals to support the uptake and implementation of the standard, is expected to be published in early 2020.