The recent tailings dam collapse in Zambia is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with mining waste management. The environmental and human cost of such disasters is staggering, with entire communities left vulnerable to toxic spills, water contamination and structural failures. However, while these failures highlight the dangers of outdated monitoring and control systems, they also underscore the importance of adopting innovative solutions that mitigate risk and safeguard lives. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for mines to align to the GISTM (Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management), which is easier said than done.