The paper presents significant aspects regarding risk management related to wastes in the Romanian mining industry. The national and international legislative framework is approached thematically, focusing on the new European Directive regarding mining wastes (Directive 2006/21/EC on the management of waste from the extractive industries – the mining waste directive). The two studied subjects of interest are: waste heaps and tailing dams, and plans for the preliminary analysis of the risks induced upon the environment. Best practice environmental management requires mitigation of risks of environmental damage from unexpected incidents occurring in the mining industry. The management of mining wastes represents a very significant component of the mine closure and conservation process, in view of the ecological reconstruction of the area and reuse of the affected land. Consequently, an adequate waste management system in the mining industry determines medium and long-term benefits for the environment, for economic efficiency and for the mining communities.