The ANCOLD Tailings Dams Operators Forum 2024, held in Newcastle, NSW, brought together industry professionals, regulators, and young professionals for an impactful gathering to advance tailings dam safety and management. This year’s forum demonstrated ANCOLD’s strategic commitment to fostering professional development, delivering timely technical guidance, and representing the diverse needs of the dams industry.
The forum featured an excellent balance of international and local expertise. Keynote speaker Ben Gallagher from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), based in the USA, shared insights on coal ash disposal facilities and the lessons learned from surface impoundment closures in the USA. Meanwhile, with their proactive approach, Australian mining regulators emphasised the importance of tailings dam management, educating operators on regulatory expectations and upcoming audits. This approach set a positive tone for constructive collaboration moving forward.
One of the forum’s standout moments was the engagement of Young Professionals (YPs), with presentations from rising stars like Ranisha Perera of GHD. Her case study on automated monitoring systems for tailings storage facilities in Tasmania highlighted how YPs are stepping up and contributing to the future of tailings dam safety. ANCOLD’s commitment to supporting YP professional development was visible throughout the event.
The forum also offered hands-on learning opportunities through training on the first day, which the delegates received well. The training focused on key technical areas of dam safety and provided practical knowledge that attendees could immediately apply in their roles. The forum concluded with site visits to local power stations, allowing participants to observe real-world applications of the discussed topics, further solidifying the learning experience.
A huge thank you goes to the Local Organising Committee, led by Amanda Kerr, and to Tim Archer from Leishman Associates, who seamlessly managed the conference. We would also like to thank the Liddell and Eraring Power Stations staff who hosted the site visits and provided invaluable on-the-ground perspectives. The sponsors played a vital role in supporting the event, and we appreciate their commitment to improving tailings dam safety.
Finally, a special acknowledgment goes out to all the presenters who made the effort to prepare and share their knowledge. Their contributions were instrumental in making the forum successful and advancing the conversation on tailings dam management.
ANCOLD is an incorporated voluntary association of organisations and individual professionals with an interest in dams in Australia.
