Open pit mine with tailings dam. CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK/JOHN CARNEMOLLA Environmental, socioeconomic and political risks along with a need to digitally transform the mining industry, has put tailings storage facilities (TSFs) in the spotlight. Better stewardship has become the crucial operational objective. This article explores the potential of a digital twin to help better manage performance, enhance sustainability, and improve safety. My career has spanned 35 years, and, in this time, I have experienced a compelling evolution of the industry. Intelligent mining is the new strategic imperative – a departure from siloed legacies towards an agile, value-driven business model. The drive to a digitally enabled, productive, safe operation is now key and the potential to create a dynamic digital twin is a game changer in the industry.