Organisation :
The safe management of mine tailings is a growing global concern, with billions of metric tons produced each year and increasing risks to people, ecosystems, and economies. In response to United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/12, UNEP prepared this report to identify critical knowledge gaps around the environmental aspects of tailings management.
Drawing on inputs from global and regional consultations, expert workshops, and existing research, the report examines the regulatory, social, and operational challenges of managing tailings. It looks at both large-scale and artisanal mining, addressing issues such as long-term pollution risks, biodiversity loss, and the physical dangers posed by unstable tailings storage facilities.