Chapter 8
System Definition
This chapter, System definition shows how to dissect a mining system into macroelements, elements which are amenable to analyses.
The system definition encompasses the definition of the “business” as well as the
“physical” aspects, as a sort of “software” and “hardware” taxonomy. It also requires
a discussion of conflict of interest and other systemic inter-dependencies. Let’s start
with the “software” side with the responsibilities (Sect. 8.1) and then look at the
“hardware” side (Sect. 8.2), i.e., the definition of the physical system.
8.1 Definition of the System of Responsibilities
Tailings Responsibility in situations where the regulatory system lacks substance may
be dealt internally, within the mining company’s system. Multinational companies
have realized the need to reduce their reliance on external services and standards.
They have therefore taken on more responsibility internally. Smaller companies, with
fewer resources, are more dependent on outside help in developing and implementing
high standards. Both ways may lead to unrealistic risk assessments (https://www.
riskope.com/2017/12/06/unrealistic-risk-assessment-describing-a-rosy-scenario/) if
common practices are used.
Whatever the situation, a complex relationship exists between mining companies,
regulators and consultants with regard to ensuring that the highest standards of tailings dam risk assessment, design and management are identified and implemented.
Many parts have to come together within a framework that examines the interrelated
nature of the activities that each must perform in meeting their respective responsibilities (https://www.riskope.com/2017/11/01/unep-tailings-dams-report-and-residualrisk-assessment/).
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
F. Oboni and C. Oboni, Tailings Dam Management for the Twenty-First Century,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19447-5_8
103
System Definition
This chapter, System definition shows how to dissect a mining system into macroelements, elements which are amenable to analyses.
The system definition encompasses the definition of the “business” as well as the
“physical” aspects, as a sort of “software” and “hardware” taxonomy. It also requires
a discussion of conflict of interest and other systemic inter-dependencies. Let’s start
with the “software” side with the responsibilities (Sect. 8.1) and then look at the
“hardware” side (Sect. 8.2), i.e., the definition of the physical system.
8.1 Definition of the System of Responsibilities
Tailings Responsibility in situations where the regulatory system lacks substance may
be dealt internally, within the mining company’s system. Multinational companies
have realized the need to reduce their reliance on external services and standards.
They have therefore taken on more responsibility internally. Smaller companies, with
fewer resources, are more dependent on outside help in developing and implementing
high standards. Both ways may lead to unrealistic risk assessments (https://www.
riskope.com/2017/12/06/unrealistic-risk-assessment-describing-a-rosy-scenario/) if
common practices are used.
Whatever the situation, a complex relationship exists between mining companies,
regulators and consultants with regard to ensuring that the highest standards of tailings dam risk assessment, design and management are identified and implemented.
Many parts have to come together within a framework that examines the interrelated
nature of the activities that each must perform in meeting their respective responsibilities (https://www.riskope.com/2017/11/01/unep-tailings-dams-report-and-residualrisk-assessment/).
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
F. Oboni and C. Oboni, Tailings Dam Management for the Twenty-First Century,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19447-5_8
103