Application of the protocols established by the Global Industry Standard for the Tailings Management (GISTM) on tailings disposal structures in the southeast of Pará, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract This article analyzes the application of the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) in tailings disposal facilities located in the southeastern region of the state of Pará. The objective was to verify compliance with GISTM for the tailings disposal system, consisting of a dam and exhausted pit disposal. To assess compliance with the Global Standard, the technical records of the tailings dam and a pit where the tailings are also deposited were used to enable the application of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Compliance Protocols. Although GISTM assessed the system, it also assessed the structures in isolation. The research showed that the dam was more compliant with the Standard, as it had a higher level of technical information than the pit. This result is correlated with the fact that the dam complies with the National Dam Safety Policy (PNSB), while the pit does not. The adoption of GISTM represents a significant legacy for the developer in question, and directly impacts its reputation, sustainability and operational safety. The benefits of implementing the Standard will be: improved safety and disaster prevention; strengthened governance and transparency; respect for human rights and community involvement; sustainability and environmental protection, as well as significant gains in reputation, facilitating access to international markets. All these factors corroborate that implementing the Standard is a competitive and strategic differentiator for mining companies seeking to operate in a safer and more sustainable way.