This micro-credential has been designed for professionals working in the field of tailings management. It is best suited to practicing engineers, geoscientists or individuals with responsibility for managing and/or operating a tailings storage facility who are interested in ensuring adequate tailings storage capacity is available throughout the life of an operation. It is the third of three micro-credentials in Tailings Governance.

Participants will learn about general concepts of tailings management, details of required inputs and outputs, and the importance of accounting for variability when developing both conceptual and detailed tailings management plans. The emphasis is on maximising storage capacity economically while ensuring safe operational procedures.

Upon successful completion of this micro-credential, you'll receive:

• Two PD Points
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online

Course dates

5 October 2026 - 27 November 2026

Registrations close

18 October 2026 (end of week 2)

Effort

Total effort - 50 hours, including contact hours, personal study time and assessments.

Academic lead

Professor Andy Fourie

Cost

$1,100 inc. GST

Critical information summary

MINEM543 Tailings Management Plans [PDF 244KB]

Why study this course?

As a result of the recent Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, there is increasing demand for tailings professionals at the same time as the industry is experiencing a shortage of personnel with appropriate training. The Standard will bring rapid change to the way the industry manages tailings and waste. This micro-credential and the subsequent micro-credentials will allow you to keep up with standards, technologies and guidelines dealing with tailings management.

Who should study this course?

This micro-credential has been designed for professionals working in the field of tailings management. It is best suited to practicing engineers, geoscientists or individuals with responsibility for managing and/or operating a tailings storage facility who are interested in ensuring adequate tailings storage capacity is available throughout the life of an operation. It is the third of three micro-credentials in Tailings Governance.

Participants will learn about general concepts of tailings management, details of required inputs and outputs, and the importance of accounting for variability when developing both conceptual and detailed tailings management plans. The emphasis is on maximising storage capacity economically while ensuring safe operational procedures.

Recommended prior knowledge

Bachelor of Engineering, or Master of Professional Engineering, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA. It is advisable that students take MINEM541 Compliance and MINEM542 Roles and Responsibilities before taking this microcredential. Engineering numerical skills are required, as there will be some calculations that are essential to understanding the material.

What's next after this course?

The micro-credential is one of a series of twelve micro-credentials that are stackable towards the Graduate Certificate in Tailings Management. This micro-credential is one of three on the topic of Tailings Governance. The other two on this topic are:

1. Tailings Compliance; and
2. Tailings Roles and Responsibilities.

In order to apply for the Graduate Certificate award you must have a Bachelor of Engineering degree or a degree in a related field and have met UWA's English language competency requirements. Please refer to the Graduate Certificate in Tailings Management.