Regulations on management of operation of tailings reservoirs in mineral extraction and processing in Vietnam

According to the Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BCT of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, “tailings” are the materials left over during the processing of minerals in the form of mud, including solid part and liquid part. The solid part is fine grains that remain after useful minerals are obtained from the crude ore. The liquid part is a mixture of wastewater and chemicals that are dissolved after mineral processing.

“Tailings reservoir” is a system that consists of a reservoir or dump, dam and ancillary works that are designed and built to temporarily or permanently retain tailings in order to protect environmental safety and stability. A tailings reservoir does not necessarily have a dam.

The owner shall follow these rules in operation of the tailings reservoir:

1. Ensure safety throughout the operation of the tailings reservoir; make the best use of the capacity of the tailings reservoir according to approved design.

2. Comply with the approved tailings reservoir procedures and the reservoir inspection plan; frequently examine or record changes that occur during the operation and adjust the operation procedures accordingly.

3. Carry out maintenance and safety monitoring of the tailings reservoir; implementation of the emergency prevention and response; take responsibility for tailings reservoir emergencies.

View more details at the Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BCT of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, effective from February 01, 2021.

Thuy Tram

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