SME to Explore Executives’ Role in Tailings Management

21st January 2020

Reducing Risk to Preserve our Social License to Operate

Top executives from major mining companies will be discussing their strategies for mine tailings management in a changing environment at the opening Keynote Session at the MineXchange 2020 SME Annual Conference. The increasing number of tailings dam failures worldwide is causing significant global reactions that will have a lasting impact on how the mining industry manages its mineral processing wastes.

SME is tackling this issue head-on at MineXchange 2020 SME Annual Conference & Expo, February 23-26, 2020 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

“The number and caliber of the elite panel of high level executives participating in this Keynote Session shows their commitment to address the unique challenges associated with tailings management. It’s evident that the industry is committed to cooperation and collaboration between industry experts,” said SME Executive Director David L. Kanagy. “This opportunity to share global forward-thinking technology is unprecedented.”

The Keynote Session will be held Monday, February 24, 8:30-11:00 am. The session, “The Executive’s Role in Tailings Management: Preserving our Social License to Operate,” will launch the conference by introducing the topic from the perspective of mining industry leadership.

This program will provide perspectives that span several commodity interests, exploring what changes in leadership tack are needed to prevent future failures, and what executive leadership can do to reduce reputational risk and preserve social license to operate for the entire industry. The Keynote Session is followed by the five-session technical symposium “Mine Tailings: Perspectives for a Changing World.”

Executive Panelists:


SME will waive registration fees for reporters with a recognized press card and all current members of the media. A Press Room will be provided as a quiet place for members of the media to relax, grab a snack and recharge. Key exhibitors and high level executives will be providing interviews at designated times, and they will be available to answer your questions. For information on how to receive your complimentary registration, contact Press@smenet.org.