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Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Training by Benguet Corporation–Benguet Gold Operations.
The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) industry plays an important role in driving growth and development within communities; however, it also poses significant environmental and societal challenges. A key example is the tailings storage facility (TSF), also known as a tailings dam or pond, which is used to store and manage the waste by-products from ore processing. These tailings typically consist of a mixture of water, fine-grained rock particles, and chemical residues. Consequently, concerns related to TSF include environmental contamination, water management issues, structural integrity risks, and threats to community health and safety. Thus, effective design, construction, and management of TSFs are essential to mitigate these environmental and safety risks.
With the objective to improve mining practices in the ASGM operations, the planetGOLD Philippines Project and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in partnership with the Benguet Corporation–Benguet Gold Operations, conducted a series of capability development activities, including the TSF Training for small-scale miners last 22-26 April 2024 in Itogon, Benguet.
The training explored topics such as TSF design considerations, regulations, and safety measures, and included visits to the Mill and TSF plant. A total of 33 participants from the project’s partner organizations, Northern Sagada Barangay Small-scale Miners Association Inc. (NSBSSMAI) and Samahan Ng Mga Minero sa Barangay Casalugan (SMBC), attended the sessions.
Photos 1 and 2: Participants from NSBSSMAI and SMBC
Photos 3 and 4: Mill and TSF Plant Visit
Benguet Corporation–Benguet Gold Operations is a mining company committed to integrating environmental and social development initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining practices. Their team of experts discussed various aspects such as TSF design, construction, operation, maintenance, risk assessment, and management, alongside discussions on its social and economic impacts. Additionally, they covered topics including environmental monitoring, compliance, emergency preparedness, response strategies, and illustrated these with relevant case studies.
Photo 5: Introduction given by the Benguet Corporation–Benguet Gold Operations
Further, the training aims to transfer knowledge on TSF management, with a focus on establishing a monitoring and inspection program to assess structural integrity and performance, conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential issues and vulnerabilities, implementing effective water management practices, developing and conducting regular test emergency response plans for failures and incidents, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Photos 6 and 7: TSF Training Lecture delivered by Benguet Corporation–Benguet Gold Operations
The TSF Training for small-scale miners is part of the planetGOLD Philippines project which reflects its commitment to supporting the growth of the SSM sector by recommending the provision of capacity-building activities to enhance the skills and expertise of SSM stakeholders. It also advocates for improving mining practices to safeguard the miners, their communities, and the environment.
The planetGOLD Philippines Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council.
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