Tailings Storage Facility Research Articles

Linking laboratory quasi-steady state strengths to field scale performance of tailings

Current state of practice for the assessment of liquefied strengths of tailings relies primarily on empirical or semi-empirical correlations based on penetration testing. That is, despite liquefied strength being arguably the most important strength parameter for the design of brittle tailings storage facilities, there is much less success or acceptance of the use of laboratory element tests to support strength selection compared to other forms of strengths inferred in geotechnical engineering. This is particularly the case for tailings at a state near or slightly dense of the critical state line (CSL) for which there is ample evidence of field-scale flow liquefaction but where laboratory element tests often behave in a manner inconsistent with such field-scale response – at least at large strains. The current paper examines the quasi steady state (QSS) strength of sands and tailings for which the CSL has been measured, linking the observed strengths to inferred in situ behaviour through the state parameter. Particular focus is placed on QSS strengths obtained from simple shear tests carried out within a hollow cylinder torsional shear system where the stress state in the test is a better representation of in situ below-slope conditions that the triaxial compression test. In particular, the marked effect of intermediate principal stress on the QSS in sands is highlighted. Alternatively, the negligible anisotropy seen in a sandy silt gold tailings, and the potential implications in the context of QSS strengths and field-scale behaviour, are examined and emphasised.

Numerical sensitivity analysis for stress-strain simulation and flow liquefaction assessment of tailings storage facilities using the NorSand constitutive model

With the advent of critical state Soil Mechanics (CSSM), the void ratio began to be recognized as a key parameter, along with the stress state, which defines the mechanical behavior of soils and other particulate geomaterials by using the state parameter. The state parameter is the difference between the current and critical void ratio so that its definition requires the critical state line (CSL) identification. This work presents numerical calibration results, using the NorSand constitutive model, from three sets of triaxial compression tests selected from the literature. The SIGMA/W module of the Geostudio® System was adopted to perform the simulations of the triaxial compression tests, and the results showed adequate fit between real tests and numerical simulations. The parameters necessary for the modeling with NorSand model, defined from the numerical calibration, were used in a stress-strain evaluation of a hypothetical upstream tailings dam. These simulations allowed the evaluation of the differences in the tailings storage facility (TSF) responses in terms of both deformation behavior and flow liquefaction instability. Flow liquefaction instability is described in the literature as a complete loss in shear strength and the development of excessive strains due to the contractive response of tailings when subjected to low confining stress. The results suggest that the use of the NorSand model is, in general, a good option to reproduce the typical strain-softening behavior of such structures. Furthermore, it was clear the high sensitivity of the constitutive model parameters, drawing attention to the importance of best laboratory practices for carrying out triaxial tests to obtain reliable parameters for NorSand modeling.

Гідроекологічна характеристика сучасного стану Запорізького (Дніпровського) водосховища та його приток

Purpose: to determine the hydroecological condition of the different areas of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoir and its tributaries (Samara River, Konoplyanka River), which are under technogenic pressure. Methodology: classical methods of determining hydrochemical indicators (pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, permanganate oxidizability, anions and cations of organic and inorganic compounds) and microbiological parameters (total count of microorganisms and count of saprophytes) were used during the study. The content of heavy metals was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings: The study of the current hydroecological state of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoir in the summer period showed that, according to most parameters, the water quality did not exceed the MAC (maximum allowable concentration) for fish farming. The exception was the reduced oxygen dissolved concentration (by 10-25%) in almost all areas of the reservoir, and the high mineralization of water in the Samara Bay (2 MAC), due to the discharge of highly mineralized waters of the Samara River. In the long-term aspect, there is an increase in the total mineralization of the Samara River (4 MAC, which is under the influence of the discharge mine waters of the coal mining industry of Western Donbas. The analysis of the content of heavy metals in the reservoir indicated an increase in the concentration of copper - from 13 MAC in the Samara Bay to 21 MAC in the lower part of the reservoir. The Samara River was characterized by a high content of cadmium (1.5 MAC), copper (13 MAC), and nickel (2.3 MAC). Indicators of the ecological state of the Konoplyanka River had significant differences in its different areas: in the upper reaches of the river, where the economic and domestic effluents of the city of Kamianske and the tailings storage facilities for radioactive waste are located, water did not meet the MAC for oxygen content, carbon dioxide, nitrites, nitrates, mineral ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl’, SO4-2), general mineralization and the count of saprophytic microorganisms; at the mouth of the river, exceeding the MAC for nitrate content and saprophytic microflora was recorded. Originality: data on the hydroecological state of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoir and its tributaries in the conditions of the war have been obtained. Practical value: the results of the conducted study can be used to develop a strategic program for the restoration of the ecosystem of the Dnipro reservoirs in the post-war period. Key words: Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) reservoir, tributaries, hydrochemical parameters, count of microorganisms, heavy metals.

Assessment of the determination of groundwater pollution parameters from destroyed ameliorative structures, tail storage and flooded landfills

As a result of the damage to the structures of the supporting front and the destruction of the protective screens on the reclamation systems, tailings storage facilities, and landfills due to military operations, processes of flooding and pollution of water resources are taking place on the territory of Ukraine. This issue requires an assessment and forecast of the further development of events at the damaged buildings. An integral component of such an assessment is the methodology of approaches to the filtration calculations of the consumption of polluted water through a closed protective screen using the analysis of migration due to the aquifer. In this work, the issues of the theoretical approach to the determination of head loss and filtration through a protective screen for the assessment and further forecast of groundwater pollution by filtration flow from tailings, landfills, and reclamation canals due to their flooding due to military actions are considered. Approaches to the determination of pressure loss through a shielded structure in the event of various types of damage and at various stages of water filtration from channels are given. According to the proposed formulas, the loss of water from the main channel of the Ingulets irrigation system and the filtration coefficient of the damaged lining due to the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovskaya Hydro Electric Station were determined. The results of the research will be useful in making management decisions regarding the protection of water bodies from pollution and in the restoration of damaged structures.

Compressive Stress Dewaterability Limit in Fluid Fine Tailings

Reclamation of fluid fine tailing (FFT) storage facilities to their pre-disturbance equivalent landforms is hampered because micrometer size fines, whose surface-area-to-volume ratio is remarkably high, are occupied with siloxane and hydroxy groups, which bind water strongly. The purpose of this study is to differentiate the forms of water physically distributions in FFT and determine their propensities for dewaterability under compressive stresses. Two thermal and two mechanical methods were used to analyze water distributions in FFT. Dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetric analyses of FFT gave a transition from predominately bulk water to coevolution with water of higher enthalpy of vaporization at 81% (w/w) solids. Differential scanning calorimeter studies were used to determine the non-freezable water amount, with the premise that water that does not freeze by −30 °C is also unlikely to be removable by compressive stresses encountered in tailing treatment processes. The solid weight percent of FFTs with the non-freezable water was 79.6%. A 1D finite-strain model simulation using the constitutive relations of void ratio and effective stress, void ratio, and hydraulic conductivity show that deep-pits filled with such clayey-silt FFT will consolidate to a maximum solids content of 74% (w/w). For separation by centrifugation, the solids content plateaued to a mean of 74% (w/w) for total centrifugal force of ≥30 mega Newtons. These solid contents represent upper thresholds and demonstrate dewatering limit property of an FFT under compressive stresses.

Радиационно-гигиеническая оценка воздействия негативных природных факторов, а также последствий деятельности ОАО «Гидрометаллургический завод» на население города Лермонтов

The article presents the results of a radiation-hygienic assessment of the contribution to the total effective radiation dose to the population of the radon-hazardous territory (town of Lermontov, Stavropol Region) of the aerosol-unattached fraction of the radon and thoron decay progeny after inhalation of them. Research on this topic was carried out in the Russian Federation for the first time. The article also assesses the possible contribution of the source of anthropogenic radioactive contamination of the surrounding area – the tailings storage facility of JSC «Hydrometallurgical Plant»

Dry Stacking of Filtered Tailings for Large-Scale Production Rates over 100,000 Metric Tons per Day: Envisioning the Sustainable Future of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities

Communities and authorities have been dismayed by globally recorded tailings storage facility (TSF) failures in recent years, which have negatively affected the safety of people and the integrity of the environment. In this context, obtaining the social and environmental license to operate TSFs has become a challenging process for mining companies. This has promoted the trend of using mine tailings dewatering technologies in the mining industry, with dry stacking of filtered mine tailings being recognized worldwide as one of the most acceptable, safe, and environmentally friendly solutions. This article presents a new paradigm in managing mine tailings, with disruptive and futuristic characteristics, considering the dry stacking of filtered mine tailings for large-scale industrial production rates over 100,000 metric tons per day (mtpd). Aspects of filtered tailings management are discussed, such as (i) dewatering process plant with thickening/filtering equipment, (ii) conveyance using fixed and movable conveyor belts, (iii) construction of dry stacking of filtered mine tailings facility, and (iv) implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies for automation of the mining processes. Finally, the article discusses how the large-scale filtered mine tailings solution is applied, considering the advances in the equipment’s performance and implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies as well as the experience gained worldwide in several mining operations. The future global trend is that mining operations with high daily production of mine tailings will apply dry stacking technology without dams to guarantee sustainability, promote continuity of the mining business, ensure the safety of communities, and conserve the environment.

Development and outcomes of a tailings slope stability comparative design exercise

Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) have undergone an unacceptably high failure rate for decades, leading to an increased focus on improving the safety of these structures. One aspect that has not received sufficient attention is examining how reliably and consistently engineers analyse the stability of TSFs. An understanding of the current state of practice is needed as there are a range of analytical methods available to engineers, while the high failure rate of these structures strongly points to some deficiencies in practice. To examine some of these issues, a tailings-focussed slope stability comparative design exercise was organised to compare the methods and results used by tailings engineers to analyse the same slope within which the phreatic surface was to rise under a specified pattern. Twenty-eight practitioners participated in the exercise to predict at what phreatic surface level the slope would fail. A wide range of predictions were made, ranging from assuming the slope would liquefy and fail instantly (i.e. before any rise in phreatic surface), to a range of techniques based on (i) yield strength ratios, (ii) stress path methods, and (iii) numerical analyses, each predicting various failure levels, and finally some predictors who applied drained strengths, resulting in predictions that the slope would not fail.

Development of a multifunctional installation of fine dispersed irrigation

The intensification of the processes of mining and processing of mineral raw materials, characteristic of the modern development of mining production, is associated with significant dust pollution of the atmospheric air. As an economical and mobile means of dust suppression, it is recommended to use the developed impulse fine-dispersed irrigation system "Ustimor". The principle of operation of the installation is based on the pulsed displacement of water from the water-air tank by the combustion products of the fuel-air mixture under high pressure (>5 MPa). Experimental and industrial tests of the installation were carried out at the tailings storage facility of PJSC "Ingulets Mining and Processing Plant". The range of the installation is on average 120-130 m. The area of the irrigated surface in one cycle of operation is from 500 m2 to 750 m2. Fine spraying was observed along the entire length of the jet flight. In one hour of operation, the installation can release from 5 to 30 tons of water into the atmosphere in the form of drizzle. The intensity of watering for one work cycle is on average 0.85 l/m2. The possibility of autonomous operation of the installation and its remote control through the SCADA system has been confirmed. The installation of pulse fine-dispersed irrigation is recommended for use as a means of spraying liquid by the method of fine-dispersed irrigation on open areas of surfaces where dust is intensively swept and suspended. It can be used for dust suppression and humidification at tailings storage facilities, warehouses of bulk materials, landfills, technological highways. The "Ustimor" installation can also be used for fine-dispersed irrigation of plantations, vineyards, gardens, etc. Irrigation of leaf cover and soil surface will lower their temperature by 7 - 10 °C in the sun and by 6 - 6.6 °C in the shade.

Field and laboratory study of iron ore tailings–Portland cement blends for dry stacking

The dry stacking of filtered tailings has emerged as an alternative way of dealing with the safety-related problems of conventional slurry disposal in reservoirs behind upstream dams. Incorporating a cementing agent into the tailings before compaction can enhance the overall geomechanical behaviour of these structures, giving rise to more stable and safer stackings. However, few dry stacks are in operation worldwide and their field performance needs to be better understood. In addition, the addition of cement provides further challenges to the design of these structures. Obtaining reliable laboratory data for properly designing these tailings storage facilities is thus essential. Accordingly, the mechanical behaviour of artificially cemented iron ore tailings for dry stacking purposes was evaluated, with a focus on comparing the responses between field-compacted samples and laboratory-assembled specimens. To do this, ultrasonic pulse velocity, unconfined compression, split tensile and triaxial compression tests were carried out. Both the stiffness and strength data were well described by the porosity/cement index and, despite minor differences, good agreement was found between the responses of the laboratory-assembled and field-compacted samples. The findings highlight the adequacy of laboratory procedures for reflecting the material's real-field conditions.

Entity Embeddings in Remote Sensing: Application to Deformation Monitoring for Infrastructure

There is a critical need for a global monitoring capability for Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs), to help protect the surrounding communities and the environment. Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) shows much promise towards this ambition. However, extracting meaningful information and interpreting the deformation patterns from InSAR data can be a challenging task. One approach to address this challenge is through the use of data science techniques. In this study, the representation of InSAR metadata as Entity Embeddings within a Deep Learning framework (EE-DL) is investigated for modelling the spatio-temporal deformation response. Entity embeddings are commonly used in natural-language-processing tasks. They represent discrete objects, such as words, as continuous, low-dimensional vectors that can be manipulated mathematically. We demonstrate that EE-DL can be used to predict anomalous patterns in the InSAR time series. To evaluate the performance of the EE-DL approach in SAR interferometry, we conducted experiments over a mining test site (Cadia, Australia), which has been subject to a TSF failure. This study demonstrated that EE-DL can detect and predict the fine spatial movement patterns that eventually resulted in the failure. We also compared the results with deformation predictions from common baseline models, the Random Forest model and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). Both EE-DL and GPR greatly outperform Random Forest. While GPR is also able to predict displacement patterns with millimetric accuracy, it detects a significantly lower number of anomalies compared to EE-DL. Overall, our study showed that EE-DL is a promising approach for building early-warning systems for critical infrastructures that use InSAR to predict ground deformations.

Theoretical justification of the assessment of contamination of surface water resources by underground runoff as a result of military operations

Military actions on the territory of Ukraine cause a negative impact on the quality of water resources due to the ingress of contaminated effluents into underground horizons due to the destruction and/or damage of treatment facilities. This work deals with the definition of theoretical approaches to the quantitative assessment of pollution entering surface water resources through underground feeding due to damage to protective screens in ponds, storage tanks of various types and tailings storage facilities. The spread of contamination in case of screen damage was noted in three stages: wetting of the aeration zone from the damaged lining to the surface of the underground flow; non-stationary rise in the groundwater level with the formation of a water dome; became filtering in the direction of discharge of underground flow. The problem of the loss of piezometric head during the passage of the filtration flow through the screen structure and the determination of the flow of polluted water from the specified structure based on this value are considered. An analytical solution to the problem of wetting the aeration zone from the damaged lining to the surface of the pressureless underground flow is given. Taking into account the increase in the permeability coefficient of the screen due to damage, increased cracking, gusts, it was established that if its value is greater than or equal to 1.0*10-2m/day, the effect of screen protection can be ignored, and the filtration costs can be calculated according to the well-known infiltration formulas from unlined sewage treatment plant. The proposed approaches at different stages of filtration losses from the sewage treatment plant may in the future form the basis of the development of methods for calculating the migration of pollutants, taking into account the various sources of their entry into the groundwater, depending on the degree of damage to the shielded sewage treatment facilities.

Scientific and technical problems of transition from open pit to combined technologies for raw materials mining

In Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin, long-term and intensive mining of deposits applying open pit methods have resulted in significant areas disturbed by open pits, dumps and tailings storage facilities. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of fertile arable land are already unsuitable for agriculture and sometimes for living. Thousands of tonnes of dust from dumps and tailing ponds deteriorate the surrounding nature every year and pollute the atmosphere in mining basins. Industrial ore breaking in open pits using bulk blasting causes emissions of a significant amount of harmful dust and carcinogenic substances. The environmental situation in open pit mining areas is often close to critical. In addition, bulk blasting forms a seismic wave, which in some cases destruct civil buildings and industrial facilities. The article proposes ways of gradual transition from mining mineral deposits by open pit methods to environmentally friendly technologies of open pit-underground and underground mining. It is established that such transition is a forced and at the same time choiceless way of developing mining areas, in particular Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin. The paper notes that the main problems of this transition include geomechanical stabilization of the rock massif during construction of underground mines in areas of possible impacts of open pit fields. The paper develops the fundamental study of the problems of controlling the stress-strain state of the massif during transition from the open pit to combined technology of deposit mining. Technologies of combined mining that involve formation of a transition belt with backfilling the worked-out space with compound mixtures are studied as well. It is proved that development of theoretical foundations for controlling the stress-strain state of the massif during transition from the open-pit to combined technology of deposit mining, study and design of technological solutions that contribute to transition to open pit-underground and underground mining, is an urgent scientific, technical and practical problem of great importance.

Mechanical, Microstructural, and Durability Properties of Soil Stabilized with Alkali-Activated Jarofix for Road Applications

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of jarofix [a zinc (Zn) smelter by-product] as a potential geopolymer binder in soil stabilization for road applications. Different combinations of soil–jarofix (SJ) mixtures were prepared using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), and a combination of NaOH + Na2SiO3 as alkali activators. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were performed to examine the mechanical performance of SJ mixtures, and the effects of the jarofix content, curing conditions, and curing time were investigated. Changes that occurred during the geopolymerization process were further corroborated using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Durability tests were also performed to examine the weathering resistance of selected SJ mixtures against 12 cycles of alternating wetting and drying. Based on the experimental results, the compressive strength of bare soil was increased 8.8 times, from 0.31 to 2.75 MPa, under ambient curing (AC, at 27 ± 2°C) conditions and 6 times, from 1.1 to 6.55 MPa, under dry curing (DC, at 60°C) conditions. This increase in compressive strength was attributed to the formation of sodium alumino-silicate hydrate (N–A–S–H) gel structures during the geopolymerization process, which led to a compact soil matrix, as confirmed by the FESEM images. The specimens cured under DC conditions showed greater strength improvement than those cured under AC conditions owing to the faster rate of the geopolymerization reaction at elevated temperatures. In addition, the Na2SiO3 and NaOH + Na2SiO3 solutions were found to be the most efficient alkali activators for the SJ mixtures cured under AC and DC conditions, respectively. This durability study revealed that the alkali-activated SJ mixtures exhibit a significantly smaller loss in mass than bare soil when exposed to 12 cycles of alternating wetting and drying. Moreover, the specimens cured under DC conditions were found to be more resistant to weathering than those cured under AC conditions. Overall, soil amended with 15% jarofix (through alkali activation) satisfies the minimum strength and durability criteria recommended by Indian standards for its use as a subbase and subgrade material. The current study shows that jarofix has the potential to be used as a geopolymer binder for soil stabilization, which can help the mining sector in minimizing the volume to be stored in tailings storage facilities.

The effect of compost on the growth of forest plants in the gold mine tailings of PT. Kasongan Bumi Kencana, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Mining activities is consequence of development which will result in ex-mining land, causes of environmental changes include chemical, physical and biological. Physically, the land is damaged, the top soil layer become sand, gravel and granite. Chemically, land not longer provide nutrients for plant growth. Biologically, the less of microorganisms especially decomposers. Revegetation is an effort to improve mine land to increase biodiversity, restore landscape aesthetics, control erosion and runoff. The aims of this study to determine the potential growth of Shorea balangeran, Combertocarpus rotundatus, Melaleuca cajuputi and Alstonia scholaris by applying compost to a gold mine’s Tailing Storage Facility (TSF); 7 year (Mirah 1) and 1 year (Mirah 2). The results of the study on TSF Mirah 1, the percentage of growth M. cajuputi and A. Scholaris was 100%, the highest average height and diameter was M. Cajuputi (MeanH+SD-H) 166.70 + 32.16 cm and (MeanD+SD-D) 1.35 + 0.62 cm. The TSF Mirah 2, the percentage of growth S. balangeran and A. Scholaris was 100%, the highest average height was M. cajuputi (MeanH+SD) 137.30 + 23.43 cm and the highest average diameter was A. scholaris (MeanD+SD-D) 1.23 + 0.38 cm.

Big geochemical data through remote sensing for dynamic mineral resource monitoring in tailing storage facilities

Evolution in geoscientific data provides the mineral industry with new opportunities. A direction of geochemical data generation evolution is towards big data to meet the demands of data-driven usage scenarios that rely on data velocity. This direction is more significant where traditional geochemical data are not ideal, which is the case for evaluating unconventional resources, such as tailing storage facilities (TSFs), because they are not static due to sedimentation, compaction and changes associated with hydrospheric and lithospheric processes (e.g., erosion, saltation and mobility of chemical constituents). In this paper, we generate big secondary geochemical data derived from Sentinel-2 satellite-remote sensing data to showcase the benefits of big geochemical data using TSFs from the Witwatersrand Basin (South Africa). Using spatially fused remote sensing and legacy geochemical data on the Dump 20 TSF, we trained a machine learning model to predict in-situ gold grades. Subsequently, we deployed the model to the Lindum TSF, which is 3 km away, over a period of a few years (2015-2019). We were able to visualize and analyze the temporal variation in the spatial distributions of the gold grade of the Lindum TSF. Additionally, we were able to infer extraction sequencing (to the resolution of the data), acid mine drainage formation and seasonal migration. These findings suggest that dynamic mineral resource models and live geochemical monitoring (e.g., of elemental mobility and structural changes) are possible without additional physical sampling.

Cavity expansions in two silty tailings with high degrees of saturation and a comparison to CPT results

Tailings, being mixtures of water and soil-sized particles, and sometimes air, are waste products generated by mining. They are stored on sites, often contained by embankments, forming what are known as tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Assessments of the state and strength of tailings inside a TSF may involve in situ tests, especially the cone penetration test (CPT) and occasionally the pressuremeter test (PMT). Cavity expansion theory may assist the interpretation of these tests. The coexistence of air and water in the pore space means the tailings is unsaturated and gives rise to a suction. The suction, and the extent to which air and/or water can drain through the pores, affects the cavity expansion results as well as CPT and PMT results. The cavity expansion problem is solved here considering four possible drainage conditions, constant suction, constant water mass, constant contribution of suction to the effective stress, and a constant air and water mass (closed system). It is reasoned that solutions for a closed system are relevant to the interpretations of CPTs and PMTs when < 15 % of the tailings volume is occupied by air, and that the constant effective stress condition (which is a close approximation to a constant water mass condition) is relevant when larger air volumes are present. By considering CPT data it is observed that linear proportionalities exist between effective cone penetration resistances and cavity wall pressures. The cavity expansion results are then converted to equivalent CPT results and used to construct charts which relate the normalised cone penetration resistance to the initial state parameter. The charts have use for unsaturated conditions and a variety of air volume fractions, as well as saturated conditions when the cone penetration rate is slow enough so drained conditions prevail or fast enough so that undrained conditions prevail.

Impacts of metal mining on river systems: a global assessment.

An estimated 23 million people live on floodplains affected by potentially dangerous concentrations of toxic waste derived from past and present metal mining activity. We analyzed the global dimensions of this hazard, particularly in regard to lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic, using a georeferenced global database detailing all known metal mining sites and intact and failed tailings storage facilities. We then used process-based and empirically tested modeling to produce a global assessment of metal mining contamination in river systems and the numbers of human populations and livestock exposed. Worldwide, metal mines affect 479,200 kilometers of river channels and 164,000 square kilometers of floodplains. The number of people exposed to contamination sourced from long-term discharge of mining waste into rivers is almost 50 times greater than the number directly affected by tailings dam failures.

Three-Dimensional Risk Matrix for Risk Assessment of Tailings Storage Facility Failure: Theory and a Case Study

Three-Dimensional Risk Matrix for Risk Assessment of Tailings Storage Facility Failure: Theory and a Case Study

MONITORING IS ONE OF THE MAIN SAFETY FACTORS OF TAILINGS STORAGE FACILITIES

Tailings or tails are a common byproduct of metal and mineral extraction. Typically, from ore-dressing and processing enterprises, tailings are pumped into tailings storage facilities (TSFs) which are constructed using earth-filled dams. Under improper management, tailings can have a systematic adverse impact on the environment, human health, and safety. Besides, sewage pollution and dust emissions can be potentially toxic to humans, animals, or plants. One of the key challenges currently faced by the mining sector is the industry-wide initiative to implement the most effective and efficient methods for monitoring tailings storage facilities. In the event of the physical destruction of a tailings storage facility, there can arise acute and potentially very dangerous consequences. In such cases, liquid materials of TSF can inundate the environment causing significant impact and even loss of life. Managing tailings storage facilities during and after the completion of field development is a long-term responsibility of mining companies, and it is regulated by various normative systems. TSF management should be effective throughout the entire operational lifespan, from the initial feasibility assessment of the project to the closure and post-closure. Managing critical control means is one of the main tasks facing the mining and metallurgical industry, aiming to minimize the number of fatal cases and large-scale disasters. Therefore, the rational utilization of tailings storage facilities is an integral part of corporate operational and risk management strategies. Managing critical control means is defined as an approach to managing low-probability, large-scale destructive events such as catastrophic accidents at tailings storage facilities. Achieving this goal requires technological efforts to utilize the most reliable methods for monitoring tailings storage facilities. Keywords: tails, tailings storage facilities, monitoring.