The mining industry stands at a pivotal moment in its stewardship of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). As global expectations rise and the consequences of failure become ever more visible, the role of the Engineer of Record (EoR) has never been more critical. However, the role has also never been more scrutinized which has led to the perception of increased risk for both companies and individuals. As such, it has never been more difficult to attract candidates to the role. 

Yet, despite these difficulties and the centrality of the EoR role to safe tailings management, there is no common standard for developing and assessing EoR competency. Across different companies, industry organizations and jurisdictions, the pathway to becoming an EoR is often inconsistent, relying on informal mentorship, variable experience requirements, or ad hoc training. This lack of consistency not only creates uncertainty for professionals, but also for mine owners, regulators, and the communities/society as a whole who depend on the integrity of tailings management.

WSP believes it’s time for a change.

Why the industry needs a common framework

Historically, the industry has defined EoR competency by years of experience or technical knowledge. But as recent events and regulatory reviews have shown, this approach is insufficient. The EoR role is unique: it requires not only deep technical expertise, but also leadership, judgement, and the courage to act in the interest of public and environmental safety, even when it means challenging clients, colleagues or even one’s own management.

Moreover, the mining sector faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals willing to step into the EoR role, often due to perceptions of high personal and professional risk. Without a clear, supportive pathway for development, we risk a growing gap in the pipeline of future EoRs.

Without a clear, industry-wide framework for EoR competency, we face several risks:

• Inconsistent standards: Variability in EoR qualifications can lead to gaps in knowledge, skills, and behaviours, undermining confidence in tailings governance as a whole.
• Barriers to entry: The perceived risks and lack of structured development pathways can deter talented professionals from pursuing the EoR role, exacerbating the industry’s talent shortage.
• Challenges in mobility and recognition: Engineers moving between companies or jurisdictions may find their experience undervalued or their readiness questioned, slowing career progression and knowledge transfer.

Of course, the EOR is only one of the many named roles that contribute to successful TSF stewardship. While WSP has focused, as an internal operational need on EoR development, we fully acknowledge that parallel and converging development frameworks would also be beneficial for Independent Tailings Review Board members, Responsible Tailings Facility Engineers, Accountable Executives (including delegates) amongst others.  

What should a standardized EoR framework include?

There is a unique opportunity for the mining industry to address these challenges, by coming together to develop and adopt a consistent, competency-based framework for EoR development and assessment. Such a framework should:

• Define core competencies and behaviours: Clearly articulate the technical, operational, and leadership skills required at each stage of an EoR’s career.
• Enable structured assessment and progression: Provide transparent processes for self-assessment, mentorship, and formal evaluation at key milestones, ensuring fairness, clarity and the ability for individuals to develop at their own pace.
• Integrate formal and experiential learning: Combine targeted training modules with real-world project experience, building both knowledge and allowing room for individuals to gain confidence in the responsibilities.
• Offer ongoing support and peer networks: Provide EoRs access to advisory groups, peer discussions, and continuous professional development.

WSP’s framework: A model for industry collaboration

At WSP, we have developed and implemented a comprehensive EoR Competency Development Framework that embodies these principles. Our framework maps out five progressive competency levels, from early-career engineers to subject matter experts, and provides structured assessment, mentorship, and ongoing support. While tailored for our internal use, we believe it offers a strong example of the type of framework the industry needs.

By sharing the structure and benefits of our approach, we hope to spark a broader conversation and encourage collaboration across companies, associations, and regulators. Our goal is not to prescribe a single solution, but to contribute to the development of a robust, industry-wide standard that raises the bar for everyone.

Benefits for the industry

Adopting an industry wide competency-based framework for EoR (and in time additional roles) development offers clear benefits, not just for individuals, but for companies and the industry as a whole:

• Consistency and confidence: A standardized approach to EoR qualification builds trust with regulators, clients, and the public, and provides a defensible record of competency should it ever be challenged.
• Attracting and retaining talent: By providing a clear, supportive pathway, we can attract more professionals to the EoR role / industry and ensure the next generation is ready to step up.
• Continuous improvement: The framework encourages lifelong learning and adaptation, keeping pace with evolving best practices, technologies, and regulatory expectations.
• Risk management: Structured development and peer validation help ensure that those in the EoR role are truly prepared for its responsibilities, reducing the risk of incidents and supporting a culture of zero harm.

A call to action

We believe that, by working together, we can raise the bar for EoR competency across the industry, supporting the ultimate goal of zero harm to people and the environment.

We invite industry peers, mine owners, and professional associations to join us in advancing this conversation. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient pipeline of tailings engineers and promote the highest standards of stewardship for our industry’s most critical facilities.

For more information on WSP’s Competency Based Development Framework download our papers as presented at the Life of Mine / Mine Waste & Tailings and the Canadian Dam Association conferences in 2025.