Dr. Caius 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. Caius 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 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. Caius, 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. Caius 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). 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. 

Culture of Safety 

Drawing from a diverse career spanning roles as a general contractor, consultant, researcher, and dam owner, Dr. Caius 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. Caius highlights the key trends shaping tailings management today, with a clear focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social accountability. Three prominent trends stand out: 

1. Increased Transparency and Stakeholder Communication: Dr. Caius observes that the industry is acknowledging and implementing more open communication practices with stakeholders, ensuring greater transparency in operations. 
2. Regular Community and Regulatory Engagement: According to Dr. Caius, engaging with communities and regulators has become a standard practice in the field, helping foster trust and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental standards. 
3. Technological Advancements in Monitoring: The use of innovative technologies like satellite monitoring, drones, infrared sensors, and thermal imaging is becoming a crucial part of assessing both the structural integrity and environmental performance of tailings management systems. Dr. Caius emphasizes that while these practices are leading the way, wider industry adoption 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. Caius identifies three key characteristics: 

1. 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. 
2. Empowering and Trusting Teams: Dr. Caius believes that trust, support, and empowerment are vital. Leaders must give their teams full autonomy to make decisions and manage operations, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility. 
3. Recognition and Appreciation: While not always emphasized, Dr. Caius stresses the importance of recognition. A simple gesture, like a pat on the back 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. Caius’ active 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. Caius was able to contribute to the creation of critical industry guidance documents, including the early versions of the CDA’s dam safety and dam breach analysis guidelines, MAC’s Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) Manuals for tailings, and the Tailings Management Framework (TSM). He also played an instrumental role in developing the ICMM Good Practice Guide for tailings management and the ICMM Conformance Protocol. 

In addition to his work with these organizations, Dr. Caius 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. Caius underscores the invaluable role that volunteer-driven organizations play in shaping 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius believes that the most crucial qualities for young engineers go beyond technical knowledge. He identified three essential attributes: 

1. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn: Dr. Caius stressed that without a strong drive to learn, the field may not be the right fit. Curiosity is a cornerstone for success. 
2. Dedication to Excellence: He emphasized the importance of striving for excellence every day, pushing oneself to do the best work possible. 
3. Seeking Mentorship: According to Dr. Caius, 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.

Medals of Merit 

Dr. Caius 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. Caius 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 “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, Dr. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius, 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. Caius 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. 

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