Value.Space Announced Historic UN Collaboration to Elevate Global Mining Safety Standards

Value.Space announced a landmark collaboration to deploy satellite-based monitoring and risk profiling to support United Nations’ work to strengthen mining safety and standards, led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

For the first time, collaboration with UNECE’s Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents will support deployment of satellite-based monitoring and risk profiling for mining infrastructure. The cooperation was announced in Geneva, Switzerland, on 29 November 2024.

"The use of cutting-edge satellite technology will further sharpen UNECE’s support to identify and manage risks linked to mine tailings in the Pan-European region and beyond," said Claudia Kamke, Environmental Affairs Officer for the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. “Strengthening mine tailings safety is especially crucial given the projected increases in mining activities over the coming decades, including to meet the demands of the energy transition.”

"This cooperation represents a significant milestone in advancing the safety of global tailings and is a result of the culmination of our two-year contribution to UNECE’s work on TSF safety. We are proud to support UNECE’s vital efforts in this critical area,” said Reijo Pold, Founder of Value.Space. 

“By leveraging satellite monitoring, TSF owners and regulators will have access to actionable insights to prevent disasters before they occur. This proactive approach not only protects communities and ecosystems worldwide, but also bolsters global markets and financial stability by mitigating the economic consequences of catastrophic failures.”

Supporting standars setting under unique legal framework

• UNECE’s Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents offers a unique legal framework to manage risks from mine tailings and is leading regional and global efforts to improve TSF safety, with this collaboration contributing to strengthened risk management to help prevent losses to mining operators, insurers, investors, the environment and ultimately consumers.

• As part of the collaboration with UNECE, up to 10 TSF will be monitored and a report will be prepared, analysing the risks, revealing possible structural issues and translating subsequently into taking measures to prevent major accidents.

• For more than 30 years the convention has been supporting member states in the pan-European region in the prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents, including those at mine tailings facilities, caused by natural hazards and with possible transboundary effects. Over the years, parties and other member states developed and implemented several sector-specific guidance materials and practical tools under the convention, notably tools to strengthen mine tailings safety. Today, the convention has 42 parties.

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