International standards organisation Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI) has welcomed a new chief executive officer (CEO) and established a technical committee.
Described by GTMI as an engineering and sustainability leader, Ed Toms will spearhead the institute’s five-year strategy to scale the organisation and “create sustainable change” across mine tailings facilities globally.
Toms has held several leadership roles in global professional services and project delivery organisations, with decades of experience in mining, dams, and critical infrastructure.
“It is an honour to lead the Global Tailings Management Institute as its first CEO,” Toms said.
The GTMI was established at the start of 2025 and aims to develop an international standard for the safer management of tailings facilities.
“The establishment of this institute serves as a critical turning point for responsible tailings management,” Toms said.
A new technical committee will oversee matters related to the audit and certification process for tailings facilities, including accreditation and training programs.
This committee includes board members and other technical experts, supported by acting chief technical officers and board member Janis Shandro, an experienced mining industry professional and managing director at Arrowsmith Gold in Canada.
GTMI board chair Mark Cutifani said the appointments of the CEO and the technical committee are “crucial milestones” for the institute.
“A full-time leader ensures the institute can deliver on its long-term strategy and vision for the responsible management of tailings facilities across their entire lifecycle,” Cutifani said.
“Ed’s deep expertise in high-consequence infrastructure, together with his experience working with diverse stakeholders, will position the institute for success,” he said.
GTMI said once an assurance framework and a database of independent third-party auditors have been established, it will invite mining companies and government-owned enterprises with operational responsibility for tailings facilities to become signatories.
From here, signatories will commit to implementing and confirming with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
They will also undergo independent auditing and certification, continuously improving their tailings management practices, and publicly disclosing information about their facilities and audit outcomes.
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