Achieving GISTM Compliance in African Mining: IOTDC and Sentinel Lead the Way

Johannesburg, 14 October 2025 — As mining operations across Africa face mounting pressure to comply with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), IOTDC, in collaboration with Sentinel, is offering a transformative solution that integrates technology, governance, and transparency to meet these rigorous standards.

GISTM, developed to improve safety and accountability in tailings storage facilities (TSFs), emphasizes continuous monitoring, early warning systems, stakeholder engagement, and robust governance. IOTDC’s partnership with Sentinel delivers a comprehensive platform that embeds these principles directly into mining operations.

Technology-Driven Monitoring and Alerts

Sentinel’s platform combines field sensors, satellite imagery, and drone data to provide real-time visibility into dam conditions. It tracks water levels, seepage, and ground stability, enabling predictive alerts through AI analysis. These alerts meet GISTM’s early-warning requirements by detecting anomalies and long-term trends before they escalate into hazards.

Field teams can log geo-tagged measurements using a mobile app—even in offline environments—ensuring consistent data capture across remote sites. Automated reporting tools generate compliance-ready documents using GISTM-aligned templates, eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets and reducing administrative overhead.

Governance, Accountability, and Transparency

GISTM mandates clear leadership and board oversight for tailings safety. Sentinel supports this by streaming live dam data to secure dashboards tailored for executives, regulators, and community stakeholders. Each data point is time-stamped and manager-approved, reinforcing accountability and enabling audit trails that align with governance principles.

The platform also facilitates stakeholder engagement by providing secure portals for communities and regulators to access approved TSF data. Automated alerts and summaries ensure all parties receive timely, consistent information—building trust and fulfilling GISTM’s transparency goals.

Emergency Preparedness and ESG Impact

Sentinel’s system links sensor alarms to incident workflows, triggering emergency response plans when thresholds are breached. It records incident logs and drill outcomes, helping mines improve readiness and response over time.

By streamlining data collection and reporting, Sentinel enhances environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credibility. Real-time oversight of tailings facilities not only improves safety but also reassures insurers and investors that risks are actively managed.

In a region where mining remains a cornerstone of economic development, IOTDC and Sentinel’s integrated approach to GISTM compliance is setting a new benchmark for responsible resource management and sustainable growth.