The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.

TAILINGS 2026 CONFERENCE

Date	03 March 2026
Resources	Gate Access Forms 06022026.pdf Kareerand Tailings Technical Visits 06022026.pdf Ntshoveli Colliery Technical Visit 26012026.pdf Tailings 2026 Preliminary programme V5_1512026.pdf Tailings 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus 17072025.pdf Tailings Abstracts received V3_09012026.pdf Tailings Conference 2026 Announcement 17072025.pdf Tailings Elikhulu TSF Complex Technical Visit 06022026.pdf

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

Background

The SAIMM is proud to announce its upcoming 2026 conference on Tailings. Since the inaugural event, which raised the profile of tailings management and fostered collaboration among industry stakeholders, and the subsequent conference that focused on embracing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), the field has seen significant progress. We’ve deepened our understanding of GISTM requirements, advanced geotechnical knowledge of tailings dams, engaged more stakeholders, and made strides toward improved safety through GISTM compliance.

However, despite these achievements, tailings dam failures persist, signalling that there is still much work to be done and lessons to learn. As we look to the future, the 2026 conference will ask: Where to now? In a world of new standards, evolving expectations, and emerging possibilities, what opportunities lie ahead? What residual risks need addressing? How can we further reduce, reclaim, or reuse tailings? How can we accelerate the adoption of new technologies and set a new benchmark for the industry? What impacts, once considered acceptable, are no longer tolerable, and how can we best manage them?
Join us in 2026 to explore these critical questions and engage in meaningful discussions with key role players in the tailings industry.

Submit an Abstract

Abstract submissions are now open!

The Tailings Conference Organising Committee is inviting you to submit an abstract for presentation at the Tailings 2026 – Where to Now? conference.

Why submit an abstract?

Strengthen your professional reputation.
Showcase your organisation’s achievements and accomplishments.
Offer the industry valuable insights, case studies, and expertise.
Inform stakeholders, including colleagues and researchers, about your accomplishments and progress.
Create new opportunities for collaboration to benefit the industry.

Submission process

Abstracts will be subject to peer review, the committee will decide whether to accept or decline the submissions. Relevance to the conference theme, accuracy and uniqueness of ideas, contribution significance, and presentation quality are among the selection factors. Download abstract submission template

Authors will be notified in writing of the acceptance of their abstract. Once accepted the author can submit a full paper for review. Download paper guidelines

Please note

All accepted abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings and presented during technical sessions.
All presenting authors are required to register and pay for conference attendance prior to publication in the conference proceedings.

Key Dates

Abstract submission deadline 31 July 2025
Paper submission deadline 14 October 2025
Conference 3-4 March 2026
Technical visit 5 March 2025

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

Topics to be Covered

New SANS tailings 10286 standard- issue for 2026
Sustainability and ESG
Future of Tails
Closures and Rehabilitation
Monitoring strategies and AI.
Real time monitoring
Risks associated with upstream dams and mitigation
New Technologies
Implementation of the GISTM and compliancewhere are we now?
I ntroduction of the Global Tailings Management Institute
Deep dive into reasons for tailings dam failures and learnings
Historic and ownerless tailings (legal perspective)
Legislation and tailings compliance (Junior Miners)
Risk management and processes for TSFs
The role of the regulatory authority - SANS 10286
Stakeholder engagement and affected communities
An integrated knowledge base created through case studies and learnings
Design, construction and operation of TSFs
Management, governance, and reporting of TSFs
Emergency response and long-term recovery
Public disclosure and access to information
Environmental impacts
Modelling and simulation
Dry Stacking - developments
Research and the possibility of mining with no tailings
Remining of legacy TSFs
Networking and advancing Southern African expertise
Case studies.

Registration Fees

Early bird registration valid until 3 December 2025

Early SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member		R9 800
Early Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member		R10 200
SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member		R10 200
Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member		R11 500
Author Registration		R6 500
Students		R2 000
Regional Academics		R6 500
Retired Member		R2 000

Kindly note, registration closes on 26 February 2026. Please note late registrations will incur a R500 administration fee for registrations received after the closing date.
All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT

Keynote Speakers

Johan Boshoff

VP Global Tailings Management
Gold Fields Ltd

Johan Boshoff has been involved in geotechnical engineering aspects of mine waste projects for the past 30 years. His expertise includes detailed design, monitoring and project management of tailings storage facilities, mine residue stockpiles and waste disposal facilities. In the past, he has also fulfilled the role of Engineer of Record for major mining clients on key assets.

He has worked on projects in South Africa, West and Central Africa, Australasia, Asia, Latin America, and North America.

Johan is also the primary and supporting author of numerous publications, conference papers, and work papers dealing with tailings disposal aspects and mine waste.

In his current role as the VP of Global Tailings Management, he is the discipline leader and subject matter expert for all company-owned and operated TSFs. He also supports the implementation of leading industry practices for effective and sustainable design, construction, operation, and closure of TSFs across all Gold Fields operations. He also supports and advises on ICMM and other standards and guidelines implementation.

Johan is involved with various industry collaborations and currently chairs the Technical Committee for the GeoStable Tailings Consortium.

Jacqui Hex

Board Member / Director
Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI)

Jacqui Hex is a Director on the Board of the Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI) and a Director and Technical Leader with 20 years’ experience in environmental management, governance, and integrated project delivery across the mining, energy, and industrial sectors.

As an environmental scientist, Jacqui is guided by professional integrity, a commitment to sustainable outcomes, and the view that informed, shared knowledge underpins sound decision-making. Serving on the GTMI Board reflects her focus on supporting industry beyond compliance through evidence-based decision-making, transparent governance, and responsible tailings management. Through this role, she contributes to the advancement of global best practice, with particular emphasis on strengthening trust between industry, regulators, and communities, and reinforcing shared accountability for long-term environmental and social outcomes.

She holds a BSc in Natural and Environmental Sciences, BSc Honours, and an MSc in Environmental Management (cum laude). Jacqui joined Jones & Wagener in 2011 and has progressed through senior technical and leadership roles to Technical Director and Head of the Environmental Management team. In this role, she leads multidisciplinary teams of environmental scientists, engineers, and specialists, delivering pragmatic, cradle-to-grave solutions on complex greenfields and brownfields projects.

Her professional focus lies in the integration of environmental, engineering, and regulatory requirements to support responsible resource development. She has extensive experience coordinating large technical teams to address environmental risk, compliance, and long-term operational sustainability. Jacqui also oversees the Health and Safety portfolio at Jones & Wagener, reinforcing a strong safety culture and organisational accountability.

Jacqui serves as a Director on the Board of Jones & Wagener International Limited. She is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) Board, where she chairs the Quality and Standards and Public Relations portfolios, and serves on the Governance and Registrations Committees.

She is a registered professional with SACNASP and EAPASA, a published author, and an active contributor to local and international professional forums.

Dr Emma Gagen

Director Data and Research
ICMM

Emma is the Director of Data & Research at ICMM, overseeing key initiatives in materials stewardship, tailings management, and global data. She joined ICMM in 2022, leading the mine closure and water work programs before serving as acting Director of the Environment portfolio. Her background bridges technical expertise and policy, including a decade as an environmental microbiologist focusing on biogeochemical processes before government experience gained as a lead technical advisor for the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner.

Prof SW Jacobsz

Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
University of Pretoria

Prof Jacobsz obtained his BEng (Cum Laude) and MEng (Cum Laude) degrees from the University of Pretoria and completed a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He gained industry experience as a geotechnical engineer at Jones & Wagener Consulting Civil Engineers before and after his PhD. In 2010 he joined the University of Pretoria, where he established a geotechnical centrifuge laboratory in 2012 with funding from the National Research Foundation and the University.

His research focuses on physical modelling of tailings dam stability and the application of unsaturated soil mechanics. He has led multiple monitoring projects investigating pore pressure and stress regimes in gold, platinum and iron tailings dams, as well as expansive clay profiles.

In 2023 he established a mobile soils laboratory funded by Anglo American and was appointed by the Department of Water and Sanitation to lead the geotechnical investigation into the Jagersfontein Tailings Dam failure. He received the SAICE Geotechnical Medal in 2023 and is an NRF-rated researcher.

Technical Visits

Ntshoveli Colliery Technical Visit

Cost: R600 (includes refreshments and light lunch)

Register Here

Tailings Elikhulu TSF Complex Technical Visit

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Evander Gold Mines, Evander, Mpumalanga (Click here for direction)
Cost: R600 (includes transport and refreshments)

BACKGROUND

Elikhulu TSF Complex – Pan African Resources’ Flagship TSF Operation The Elikhulu TSF Complex is an advanced, highthroughput tailings deposition system comprising five simultaneously operated, cycloned TSFs. These include the Elikhulu Upper and Lower Compartments, fully lined facilities now in their seventh year of stable production.

Elikhulu Phase 2 is in the final stages of commissioning with three years of operational performance, while Elikhulu Phases 3 and 4 are entering early commissioning, extending the complex’s deposition footprint and long-term capacity.

The complex processes an average of approximately 1.2 million tonnes per month, utilising around 65 operational cyclones across the five facilities. Operations are characterised by strong control, built-in redundancy, and consistent performance underpinned by mature governance and disciplined operational practices.

Leslie Re-Mining Operations

The Leslie Re-Mining operation is fully integrated into the Elikhulu system, achieving an average production rate of 45,000 tonnes per day. Mining is conducted using purpose-designed, remote-controlled Track Monitor hydraulic mining units, with two units operating concurrently to ensure optimal safety, control, and operational excellence.

A key differentiator of the Leslie operation is its concurrent rehabilitation strategy, where floor rehabilitation is implemented alongside active mining. This approach is embedded in the mining plan and positions Leslie as a benchmark operation in responsible tailings re-mining and focused on a decreased closure liability.

Duration of the technical visit: 2.5 hours Number of people that can be accommodated for the visit– 50

Itinerary for the day:

Meet at the Elikhulu Tailings operator’s office for a site induction.
Drive onto the TSF footprint and stop at designated lookout points for general discussions and questions on the operations.
Travel to Leslie remining site and stop at designated vantage points on the active remining sites.
Travel back to TSF entrance and departure.

Karrerand Tailings Storage Facility Technical Visit

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Address of the site: Kareerand TSF is situated South East of Stilfontein Town about 1.9 km East of Khuma Township
Cost: R600 (Includes refreshments and return transport)
Number of people that can be accommodated for the visit – 25

The Kareerand Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is a Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited operated, large-scale reclamation project in South Africa's North West province near Stilfontein/Orkney. It serves as the deposition site for processed, low-grade historical tailings, with an expansion project (Phase 1) recently completed to add 16 years of life to the operation.

Key Aspects of the Kareerand TSF Expansion

Expansion Project
Operational Details
Production & Life of Mine
Sustainability & Safety
Economic Impact

Itinerary for the day

Meet at MWS offices (07:00-07:30) [Click here for direction]
Drive to Kareerand TSF (08:00-08:30) [Click here for direction]

Enter the through the gate to Kareerand Boardroom for Welcome and light breakfast (09:00-09:30) Visit to the dam (09:30-11:30) Discussion, lunch and departure back to MWS Offices (11:45-16:00)

NB: Delegates to Please see form attached, fill in and sent at least 48hrs before the visit Please fill in the first three pages

[DOWNLOAD FORMS]


PREMIUM SPONSOR	PREMIUM SPONSOR	PREMIUM SPONSOR	PREMIUM SPONSOR	PREMIUM SPONSOR

PREMIUM SPONSOR	CORPORATE SPONSOR	CORPORATE SPONSOR	CORPORATE SPONSOR	A4 INSERTS

LANYARDS SPONSOR	PENS AND NOTEPADS SPONSOR	BANNER SPONSOR	BANNER SPONSOR	EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR