Tailings management
Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are among the most critical structures in mining operations. They hold finely ground rock, water, and chemical residues left after mineral extraction. Without proper engineering, these facilities can pose significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and mining operations.
Geotechnical engineering ensures that mining waste storage facilities are stable, environmentally responsible, and resilient throughout their lifecycle.
Tailings management services include:
Site investigation and characterisation
- Deliver comprehensive studies of soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to inform safe facility design
Design and modelling
- Advanced geotechnical modelling to optimise dam geometry, drainage systems, and containment structures
Slope stability and risk analysis
- Evaluations of embankments and slopes to prevent failures and mitigate hazards
Instrumentation and monitoring
- Installation of sensors and monitoring systems to track pore pressure, settlement, and seismic activity in real time
Operational support and auditing
- Ongoing technical guidance during construction, operation, and expansion of tailings facilities
Closure and rehabilitation planning
- Engineering solutions for safe decommissioning, long-term stability, and environmental restoration
By integrating geotechnical expertise into tailings management, organisations can achieve safer operations, regulatory compliance, and sustainable mine closure.
Geotechnical engineering provides the science and expertise needed to ensure structural stability, reduce environmental risks, support regulatory compliance, and enable long-term sustainability.
From design through closure, geotechnical strategies ensure that tailings facilities remain secure for decades.
