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Training for tailings safety

F. Balkau

ECE workshopYerevan

November 2007

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unsafe dam

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Systems approach to tailings management:“planning-construction-operation-closure”

Consider:

* life-chain dependencies

* safety management as well as technology

* lessons learned from past accidents

* the need to communicate on safety

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The Guidelines call for skill and procedures

* …. leadership

* …. operators, inspectors, rescue services, professionals .. adequqtely trained

* …. only competent persons

* …. train their personnel ….

* .… experts

* …. instructions to staff

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What to train ?- knowledge areas

Tailings engineering and context subjects including:

* factual knowledge

* judgment in risk management

* social and economic factors

* communication and negotiation

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APELL for Mining

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What to train ?- subject areas

* tailings processing, tailings dams

* monitoring and auditing procedures

* EIA and EMS

* safety principles and systems; HAZOP

* ecology, environment, land-use

* social skills in communication

* site rehabilitation techniques

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Whom to train ?

Follow life-chain concept :

* mining engineers and planners

* financing assessors

* plant managers

* environmental and lab scientists

* safety engineers and rescue services

* government inspectors and assessors

* public groups and local authorities

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How to train ?

Adults learn best when they are engaged. Adults remember :

* 20% of what they hear

* 30% of what they see

* 70% of what they do for themselves

Implications for training methods

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less effective

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more effective

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Some training opportunities

* training in engineering colleges

* special courses

* on-line learning material

* UNEP train the trainers manuals

* workshops and seminars

* professional conferences

* public meetings

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UNEP training manuals

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Some ideas for moving forward

* upgrade mining school curricula

* regional seminars for university teachers

* regional skill enhancement seminars

* collaborate in ICMI auditors training

* develop and on-line training resource kit

* develop distance learning modules

* conference scholarships and exchanges

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1998

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