ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Although failures of tailings storage facilities persist, there have been numerous improvements in practice over the last decade that enhance the safety of mine waste impoundments. Examples are provided of improvements in corporate and regulatory responsibility related to this issue. The dam safety system applied to the Alberta oil sands industry is put forward as a successful model. The role of Independent Tailings Dam Review Boards is discussed and emphasized as a valuable component in the safety system applied to all tailings storage facilities.
