Dr. Caius Priscu: Redefining the Foundations of Quality Mine Waste Management

Mining, by its nature, leaves behind larger volumes of materials than it extracts. Beneath the celebrated gleam of metal and mineral that we all need lies a quiet, ongoing challenge: how to manage what remains. Tailings—the leftover materials after valuable minerals are separated—are not just byproducts; they are long-term responsibilities. These sandy-silty, sometimes not so environmentally friendly remnants demand careful containment, endless monitoring, and above all, a serious reckoning with risk. One wrong assumption, one overlooked signal, and entire communities could suffer the consequences.

There are calculations, of course. Models, formulas, and geotechnical projections. But tailings management is not just an exercise in mathematics—it is also an act of foresight, trust-building, and care. The work asks for more than credentials. It asks for judgment honed over years, for clarity under pressure, and for the humility to admit what isn’t yet known.

The field doesn’t need more people who can recite regulations. It needs those who question them, improve them, and help others rise with them. People who are generous with their knowledge and relentless about getting things better and getting things right.

Dr. Caius Priscu is one such individual. A Principal Geotechnical Engineer and Adjunct Professor, he has quietly shaped how the mining world thinks about tailings—not just through policy and design, but through mentorship, research, and an insistence on ethical responsibility.

Dr. Priscu’s introduction to Mining Engineering was inspired entirely by people. Professor Hani Mitri at McGill University, who supervised his PhD, along with his external industry advisor, the late Dr. H. Keira of AGRA Monenco and SNC-Lavalin (now AtkinsRealis), played pivotal roles in shaping his career path. They recognized that, with his background in Civil Engineering—holding degrees in Hydrotechnics and Geotechnical Engineering—and his experience in dam engineering for water resources and hydropower, he was naturally suited to specialize in tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and tailings dams. At the time, Dr. Priscu had no prior knowledge of tailings, but their confidence in his potential was unwavering. Reflecting on that period, he believes they were right. Today, his clientele consists exclusively of mining companies

Addressing the Core Challenges in Tailings Management

Dr. Priscu identifies three major challenges currently facing the mining industry in the area of tailings and mine waste management. The first is a clear shortage of specialists in the field. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between universities and the mining industry to promote and support education in mine waste management. At present, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is among the very few institutions offering a mandatory undergraduate full semester course in this discipline—an initiative Dr.Priscu believes must be urgently replicated at other institutions.

The second challenge lies in the limited true project engagement of junior and intermediate engineers and scientists. He notes that the fast-paced, schedule-driven nature of the industry often prevents these young professionals from dedicating enough time to a single problem. As a result, there is less opportunity for deep exploration and critical thinking, looking at risk and reward, opportunities to improve a project and much more, which in turn can increase the risk of design errors and operational mismanagement. He advocates for stronger mentorship programs and a cultural shift toward allowing more time for thorough problem-solving.

The third and perhaps most complex challenge involves mine closure, site rehabilitation, and the eventual transfer of closed sites back to government entities. Dr. Priscu points out that this aspect of the industry is still not receiving the attention it deserves, despite multiple conferences and related technical events. Regulatory acceptance of safe closure and community buy-in are critical, yet the path forward remains unclear. Each jurisdiction has specific requirements – social, environmental, technical, water quality, dam safety, landform design and more, making global alignment difficult. He calls for more dialogue around “what good looks like” in mine closure and relinquishment practices.

The Tech Pulse Behind Tailings Management

According to Dr. Priscu, the role of innovation and technology in transforming mining operations over the last decade—especially in tailings management—has been profound. He highlights four key advancements that stand out in recent years.

First, real-time monitoring instrumentation has evolved considerably, improving both the accuracy and frequency of data collection. These technologies provide early-warning capabilities and help track the integrity of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) continuously.

Second, surveillance technologies such as ground-based systems, drone applications, satellite imaging, and other remote sensing tools have become indispensable. These allow for better assessments of TSF conditions and enable teams to detect signs of distress or movement, especially in large structures or , inaccessible areas.

Third, the integration of big data management systems has transformed how information is synthesized. By merging data from diverse sources into a centralized digital platform, companies can now generate comprehensive 2D or 3D models of TSF structural behavior—offering a more complete view than ever before. Digital twins are going to be the next big advancement on dam safety management.

Lastly, Dr. Priscu underscores a much needed and improved growing understanding of static liquefaction and the application of critical state soil mechanics to tailings materials. Although the concepts were coined in the 60s, new This development allows engineers to more accurately identify and evaluate situations where sudden, brittle failure mechanisms could pose catastrophic risks.

Despite these technological gains, Dr. Priscu points out that while the industry has refined and advanced tailings dewatering technologies to improve water recovery, step-change innovations to large scale productions are still needed, to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable solutions.

The Push for Responsible and Transparent Tailings Management

Transparency, in Dr. Priscu’s view, is the cornerstone of responsible tailings management. While certain companies have made notable progress, he believes there is still inconsistency in global adoption. To build trust and ensure long-term sustainability, he stresses the need for stronger and more genuine community engagement, including the small and mid-size mining companies. This not only fosters good relationships with stakeholders but also reinforces a company’s social license to operate.

Dr. Priscu also notes that governance frameworks have seen significant enhancements since the release of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) in 2020. Many companies have taken steps to implement the standard, a positive shift in the right direction. However, he points out that hundreds more must follow, and the pace of change especially at small to mid-tier mining companies remains slow. Despite the delays, he believes the process is vital to securing a more resilient and accountable future for the industry.

Smart Tools, Human Wisdom

Dr. Priscu believes that automation and artificial intelligence will play an increasingly significant role in the future of tailings management, particularly in enhancing equipment reliability, improving operational efficiency, and optimizing maintenance planning across mechanical, processing, hydraulic, and electrical systems. He highlights that AI will also be valuable in advancing data analysis from monitoring instrumentation, helping detect patterns and anomalies that support informed decision-making.

However, Dr. Priscu is clear in emphasizing that AI must remain a tool—not the final decision-maker. He cautions that no algorithm can replace the critical thinking, engineering judgment, and real-world experience that professionals bring, especially when navigating the complexities of natural variables such as geology, hydrology, and climate. In his view, technology should augment—not replace—human expertise in ensuring safe and sustainable tailings operations.

Policy as a Catalyst

According to Dr. Priscu, the release of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) has already transformed the sector by defining clear roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities. He credits the GISTM with significantly elevating the visibility and professional recognition of tailings engineering.

Looking ahead, Dr. Priscu sees the next decade being shaped by the implementation and reinforcement of leading global standards and guidance frameworks. These include the GISTM itself, guidance from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (MAC TSM) initiative, and technical bulletins from the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and its member countries. In his perspective, the challenge is not a lack of frameworks—they exist in abundance—but rather a shortage of qualified professionals capable of applying them with depth, consistency, and technical rigor, going way beyond a box-ticking exercise.

Culture of Safety

Drawing from a diverse career spanning roles as a general contractor, consultant, researcher, and dam owner, Dr. Priscu underscores the critical importance of building and sustaining a strong safety culture within mining organizations. He firmly believes that dam safety is deeply rooted in people—not just processes or technologies.

He advocates for leadership-driven safety initiatives that cascade throughout all levels of the organization. According to him, a culture of safety must be intentional and ingrained, not reactive. Strong mentorship programs, investment in developing high-caliber professionals, and a commitment to ongoing training are key strategies he has championed. In his experience, even the most technically sound dam designs can be compromised without a safety-first mindset deeply embedded in an organization’s culture.

Listening, Watching, Engaging: Three Pillars of Responsible Tailings Practice

Dr. Priscu highlights the key trends shaping tailings management today, with a clear focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social accountability. Three prominent trends stand out:

Increased Transparency and Stakeholder Communication: Dr. Priscu observes that the industry is acknowledging and implementing more open communication practices with stakeholders, ensuring greater transparency in operations.
Regular Community and Regulatory Engagement: According to Dr. Priscu, engaging with communities and regulators has become a standard practice in the field, helping foster trust and ensuring conformance with evolving environmental standards.
Technological Advancements in Monitoring: The use of innovative technologies like satellite monitoring, drones, infrared sensors, fibre optics, geophysical methods, and thermal imaging is becoming a crucial part of assessing both the structural integrity and environmental performance of tailings management systems. Dr. Priscu emphasizes that while these practices are leading the way, wider industry adoption into day-to-day operations will take time.

The Balance That Defines a True Leader

When asked about the qualities that define a successful leader and Accountable Executive in the field of tailings management, Dr. Priscu identifies three key characteristics:

A Strong Safety Culture: A successful leader must embed a safety-first mindset from the top down, ensuring that safety is a fundamental value across the organization.
Empowering and Trusting Teams: Dr. Priscu believes that trust, support, and empowerment are vital. Leaders must give their teams autonomy to make decisions and manage operations, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility. In addition, having plenty of responsibilities but without authority is not really useful for any senior tailings engineer.
Recognition and Appreciation: While not always emphasized, Dr. Priscu stresses the importance of recognition. A simple gesture, like a pat on the back, company cheer, or public acknowledgment, can significantly boost morale, trust, and confidence among team members, leading to a more motivated and engaged workforce.

The Power of Collective Expertise

Dr. Priscu‘ active past involvement with prominent organizations such as the Canadian Dam Association (CDA), the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), and ICMM’s Tailings Working Group has had a profound impact on his career and the broader industry. These collaborations have exposed him to cutting-edge technical knowledge, best practices, and opportunities for peer learning.

Through his volunteer work, Dr. Priscu was able to contribute to the creation of critical industry guidance documents, including the early versions of the, MAC’s Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) Manuals for tailings, and the Tailings Management Framework (TSM). He also played an instrumental role in participating as a co-author in developing the ICMM Good Practice Guide for tailings management, and the ICMM Conformance Protocol.

In addition to his work with these organizations, Dr. Priscu contributed to the SME Tailings Management Handbook, a vital reference compiled with input from over 100 professionals worldwide. His ongoing work with ICOLD, particularly the development of a new surveillance guidance for tailings and embankment dams, continues to support the industry’s efforts to improve practices.

Reflecting on these collaborations, Dr. Priscu underscores the invaluable role that volunteer-driven organizations play in shaping the career of a professional engineer, and the future of tailings management. Without the collective effort of hundreds of professionals, the industry would be in a far more challenging position.

A Humbling Honor

Dr. Priscu expressed that receiving the CDA 2023 Peter Halliday Award for Service was a deeply humbling and meaningful experience. He described peer recognition as the most impactful form of acknowledgment. The award served as a testament to the value of volunteer work—work that often goes beyond regular duties, taking place on evenings, weekends, and even during vacations. Dr. Priscu has contributed to organizations such as the CDA, ICOLD Chile (during his time living there with his family), and currently, ROCOLD, the Romanian National Committee on Large Dams, where he holds the title of Honorary Member. He cherishes this recognition immensely.

Dr. Priscu also took the opportunity to encourage his peers to nominate deserving individuals more frequently, pointing out that there is a tremendous amount of volunteer work being done globally in this field. He believes that, given the vast contributions, recognition through awards like this should be done more often.

Shaping the Next Generation of Engineers

In his role as an Adjunct Professor at the N.B.K. Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Dr. Priscu has had the privilege of mentoring the next generation of engineers. When asked about the key skills and knowledge areas for young professionals entering the field, he emphasized the importance of a solid understanding in areas such as geotechnical engineering, hydrology and hydraulics, soil and rock mechanics, geological and environmental engineering, and the complete mineral processing cycle, from host rock to tailings.

However, Dr. Priscu believes that the most crucial qualities for young engineers go beyond technical knowledge. He identified three essential attributes:

Curiosity and Willingness to Learn: Dr. Priscu stressed that without a strong drive to learn, the field may not be the right fit. Curiosity is a cornerstone for success.
Dedication to Excellence: He emphasized the importance of striving for excellence every day, pushing oneself to do the best work possible, and challenge the status quo.
Seeking Mentorship: According to Dr. Priscu, real learning comes from hands-on experience and mentorship. He encouraged young professionals to learn from experienced engineers, noting that formal education provides a foundation, but growth comes from real-world practice and listening to those who have been in the field longer, should we also say with more grey hair.

Medals of Merit

Dr. Priscu reflected on a defining career moment that shaped his leadership in the mining industry: his appointment as Global Head of Mineral Residue Facilities at Anglo American in February 2013. This role marked a pivotal turning point in his career. The responsibility was immense, as he became in charge of a portfolio of over 140 Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) and 200 water-retaining dams across various countries, commodities, and climates—a daunting yet thrilling challenge.

This role provided Dr. Priscu with the opportunity to lead a diverse team of professionals from around the world, working in different countries and cultures. He described himself as the proverbial “kid in the candy store,” embracing the challenge with enthusiasm. The role not only shaped his leadership skills but also broadened his global perspective on the mining industry’s challenges. Through mentoring younger professionals and collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds and in different countries, Dr. Priscu found the experience to be both personally enriching and professionally transformative. This experience, he shared, was a turning point in his career, giving him a clearer and more comprehensive view of the industry.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Dr. Priscu shared valuable advice for young professionals looking to make an impact in the tailings and mine waste management space. He emphasized the importance of authenticity, honesty, and genuineness in the field. He urged professionals to understand their limitations and never pretend to know everything, as none of us does. Dr. Priscu advised against making assumptions, stressing the importance of asking for clarifications, seeking help when needed, and carefully verifying data when solving problems.

He also cautioned against over-reliance on black box software. While he acknowledged that software and models can be useful tools, he emphasized that understanding the physics behind the problems is essential. For Dr. Priscu, engineering judgment is irreplaceable and remains the ultimate key to effective problem-solving in this field.

A Life Spent Lifting Others

When reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave in the mining industry, Dr. Priscu expressed a desire to be remembered as a good person and a supportive professional engineer. He hopes to be recognized for mentoring, teaching, and helping others around the world while pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of mine waste management. Dr. Priscu envisions a balanced approach to the practice, blending fundamental engineering concepts with the introduction of new technologies and robust governance processes.

He hopes that his contributions, especially in advancing mine waste management practices, will positively impact students, colleagues, and peers. Dr. Priscu expressed his desire to have made a lasting difference in these areas, even if only in a small way, and to have played a role in helping others grow in their careers and understanding of the field.