CSOs 4 Tailings Justice

2nd Annual Tailing Conference 2025. Venue: Sunnyside office Park Parktown. Date: 28 July 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed stakeholders, and fellow community members, I stand before you today as Comrade Naki, National Health and Safety Office Bearer of the National Union of Mineworkers, to discuss a critical issue that affects us all: the environmental impact of mining tailings in our community. As we gather here, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing this pressing concern.

Mining tailings, the residual materials left over after the extraction of valuable minerals, pose significant environmental and health risks to our community. The improper management of these tailings can lead to devastating consequences, including:

• Water pollution: Toxic chemicals and heavy metals can contaminate our water sources, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
• Soil degradation: The disposal of tailings can lead to soil pollution, reducing fertility and affecting agricultural productivity.
• Air pollution: The release of particulate matter and gases from tailings can contribute to air pollution, exacerbating respiratory problems and other health issues.

As stakeholders, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner. I urge you to consider the following:

• Implementing best practices in tailings management, such as dry stacking and rehabilitation of tailings facilities.
• Conducting regular environmental monitoring and assessments to identify potential risks and mitigate their impacts.
• Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that their concerns and needs are addressed.
• Investing in research and development to improve tailings management and reduce environmental impacts.

NUM call upon:

• Mining companies to prioritize environmental sustainability and adopt responsible tailings management practices.
• Government agencies to enforce regulations and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
• Local communities to remain vigilant and engaged in the monitoring of mining activities.
• Researchers and experts to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts of mining tailings.

Together, we can work towards a future where mining activities contribute to the economic development of our community while protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. Let us collaborate to address the challenges posed by mining tailings and build a more sustainable future for all.

Thank you.