Following the disaster in Brazil, tailings dams have come under close scrutiny around the world. Now in Australia, investors and the public alike are putting pressure on mining companies to be transparent about the safety of their tailings management, but will this lead to change?

As the number of people killed in mining accidents in Queensland continues to rise, the state is looking to extend its industrial manslaughter laws to include the industry. We take a look at the impact this could have on safety.

Elsewhere, as droughts become increasingly common, mines are having to compete for water; we ask what can be done about this.

Also in this issue, we take a look at indigenous employment rates and how companies are improving them, the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive fund, and the latest developments in sapphire mining.

Join the conversation on Twitter: @MINE_Magazine.

Molly Lempriere, editor