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

Abstract

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.