Strengthening TMF Safety: Highlights from the 2nd Transnational Partner Meeting in Cluj-Napoca

The 2^nd Transnational Partner Meeting and Workshop took place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, bringing together 59 participants from across the Danube region to collaborate on improving Tailings Management Facility (TMF) safety and disaster preparedness. Hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University, the event provided a platform for discussions and networking.

The Welcome Session set the stage for the workshop, with hosts and key representatives greeting participants, presenting the agenda, and emphasizing the project's goals and collaboration efforts. This was followed by the First Year Review, which highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by project partners so far, along with ideas on how to overcome them.

The first day of the workshop continued with discussions and interactive activities, where partners explored ways to enhance TMF safety knowledge by exchanging ideas on risk assessment, cooperation strategies, and policy improvements. A key part of these discussions focused on training programs, with partners outlining e-learning courses and in-person training curricula tailored to local stakeholders. Interactive group exercises helped refine these strategies to ensure the training materials effectively meet local needs in each SAFETY4TMF partner country.

On the second day of the workshop, attention turned to the pilot activities planned for the SAFETY4TMF project, with Pilot Site Coordinators presenting their TMF safety initiatives. Discussions covered early warning systems and flood modeling to mitigate risks at environmentally vulnerable sites, as well as advanced monitoring techniques such as LIDAR scanning and real-time sensors for improved risk assessment. Emergency response exercises were also highlighted, including a disaster simulation in Vlăhița, Romania, and coordinated interventions in Szolnok and Algyő, Hungary. Additionally, a newly added Czech TMF site was introduced as part of the peer-review process, providing valuable insights into good practices for TMF remediation. Partners also engaged in match-making for peer-reviews, ensuring visits align with their expertise and learning objectives.

„One of the biggest strengths of our project is our diverse partnership. We’ve brought together ministries, municipalities, academic institutions, experts, NGOs, and international organizations. Just getting such a broad and dedicated group together is already a huge achievement.

This partnership isn’t just about dividing tasks; it’s about bringing together our unique skills and viewpoints to create a strong, all-encompassing approach to TMF safety.

Disasters linked to TMFs don’t respect borders, and neither should our solutions. By working together across different levels of government and between countries, we can make sure our efforts are consistent, thorough, and effective.”

 Ms. Eszter Laib, Head of Coordination Office for Municipalities Department of Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development of Hungary | SAFETY4TMF Lead Partner

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in strengthening TMF safety and disaster response. Moving forward, partners will focus on implementing pilot activities, finalizing peer-review visits, and rolling out tailored training programs. With strong coordination and timely execution, the project will drive meaningful improvements in TMF risk management across the Danube region.