Abstract

The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management requires that the design and management of tailings storage facilities (TSF) be founded on the basis of physical stability to ensure that catastrophic failure is avoided during operations and into perpetuity after closure.  Geochemical and resulting water quality risks are also recognized as potential failure modes for TSFs and need to be addressed by the engineer of record (EOR) and others responsible for tailings management.  Management strategies for TSFs can be confounded by the apparent juxtaposition of the geotechnical and geochemical properties of tailings in terms of overall reduction in failure modes.  This short course is intended to provide environmental site managers, tailings managers, practitioners and engineers of record (EOR) a basic understanding of chemical stability considerations in tailings storage facilities (TSF), potential geochemical failure modes, and strategies to promote chemical stability while maintaining compatibility with the designs for physical stability. 

Case studies and visual tools, as well as dynamic modelling scenarios will challenge participants to consider water quality risks, water management, construction approach, environmental impacts and de-risking of potential long-term liabilities.  Key examples of tailings management and geochemical risks and mitigations will be provided over the life of mine from feasibility through to Closure, drawing from our industry partners and experience.

Short Course Objectives:
This short course is intended to provide environmental site managers, tailings managers, practitioners and engineers of record (EOR) a basic understanding of chemical stability considerations in tailings storage facilities (TSF), potential geochemical failure modes, and strategies to promote chemical stability while maintaining compatibility with the designs for physical stability.

Target Audience:
Environmental site managers, tailings managers, practitioners and engineers of record (EOR).