Nairobi, 1 October 2021 – The UN Environment Programme, the Church of England Pensions Board and the Council on Ethics of the Swedish National Pension Funds announced today a multi-stakeholder advisory panel to support the foundation of the Global Tailings Management Institute. The international advisory panel comprising leading figures in tailings management, civil society, industry, finance and academia will guide the development of the Institute, working alongside UNEP.
The Institute will support the adoption of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (2020), oversee adherence to and independent verification of the adoption of the Standard. The Institute is also intended to become a knowledge hub for tailings management. The founders of the Institute are also considering how it may host the global tailings portal which will align with the new disclosure requirements of the Standard. Critical to the success of the Institute will be the confidence of all stakeholder groups that are impacted by tailings. To this end, the advisory panel comprises a broad membership, including NGOs, Unions, academia, affected communities, heads of other international standard bodies, finance, insurance, legal, regulatory, and representatives from both small and large mining companies. Broader consultation and engagement on the planned Institute will take place in Q4 2021 and Q1 2022. A series of engagements will be scheduled to provide all stakeholders, who have an interest in how the Institute will function, the opportunity to provide comments.
The Advisory Panel will be supported in its work by an independent consultant, based in UNEP, working on behalf of the partners. David Cooling, a former senior tailings manager at ALCOA, has been charged with facilitating the process leading to the formation of the Institute.
Members of the Advisory Panel are:
Jan Morrill Earthworks
Victoria (Vicky) Corpuz Tebtebba Foundation
Peter Kindt ING
Günter Becker Munich Re
Rebecca Campbell White & Case
Glen Mpufane IndustriALL – interim member
Andressa Lanchotti State Prosecutor
Prof Andy Fourie University of WA
Antonia Mihaylova IUCN
Paul Bateman International Cyanide Management Institute
Tamara Johndrow Freeport
Johan Boshoff Gold Fields
Prof. Elaine Baker University of Sydney/GRID Arendal
Discussions are continuing with other potential members of the Panel.
Commenting on the formation of the Panel, Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer of the Church of England Pensions Board and PRI Co-Convenor of the Tailings Standard said: "The formation of a Global Tailings Management Institute is a vital piece of the architecture that needs to be put in place to bring the Global Tailing Standard to life. In order for the Institute to carry the confidence of many stakeholders, it is essential we are informed by a wide range of perspectives and insights. We are grateful to those that have been willing to offer their time and wisdom to support this important endeavor."
Ligia Noronha, Head of UNEP New York Office, said: "UNEP is delighted to see this multi-stakeholder panel of experts that will ensure that we have a better and stronger Institute as a result. We recognise the Institute needs to be practical to support wide adoption of the Global Tailings Standard. We also recognise that communities and those most impacted by tailings or that live with tailings facilities in their communities need to have confidence in the work of the Institute. The task of the Advisory Panel will be to inform our decision making and ensure we progress towards our ambition of zero harm to people and the environment from tailings facilities."
John Howchin, Secretary-General of the Council on Ethics of the Swedish AP Funds and PRI Co-Convenor of the Global Tailings Standard said: "Tailings remain a clear and present risk in many parts of the world and whilst good practice exists, we need to see this Standard across all operations with transparency and independent verification that it is being applied."
NOTES TO EDITORS
Background:
Earlier this year, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), Co-Convenors of the Global Tailings Review, the Church of England Pensions Board and the Council on Ethics of the Swedish National Pension Funds, announced a partnership to create an independent, multistakeholder institute to support the implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
This announcement follows:
- the publication of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management in 2020, which was the result of an 18-month multistakeholder process, led by an independent Chair (Dr. Bruno Oberle)
- a series of initiatives led by investors (the Investor Mining and Tailings Safety Initiative) encouraging improved disclosure on tailings storage facilities (see tailing.grida.no)
- the recognition of the importance of the establishment of an independent entity to oversee, support and provide assurance on the implementation of the Standard during the consultations on UNEA resolution 4/19 on Mineral Resource Governance.
About the Principles for Responsible Investment
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of ESG factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. The PRI acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate, and ultimately, of the environment and society as a whole. The PRI is being represented in this process by John Howchin of the Swedish Council of Ethics and Adam Matthews of the Church of England Pensions Board.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Keisha Rukikaire, Head of News & Media, UNEP
