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A method for assessing the long-term integrity of tailings dams
1School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 18, 2021
Summary
Mine tailings dams pose environmental risks due to erosion. Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs) show that designs capturing rainfall, rather than shedding it, can reduce erosion and improve long-term stability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Geomorphology
Background:
- Mine tailings are a waste by-product of mineral processing, often erodible and containing contaminants.
- Storing tailings in dams is a common but potentially problematic long-term management strategy.
- Limited research exists on the long-term erosional behavior of tailings dams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term erosional behavior of two hypothetical tailings dam designs.
- To evaluate the influence of surface covers and climate on tailings dam erosion.
- To provide guidance for improving tailings dam design and reducing environmental risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SIBERIA Landscape Evolution Model (LEM).
- Simulated erosion on two distinct tailings dam designs with varied surface covers.
- Assessed performance under different climatic conditions.
Main Results:
- Tailings dams designed to capture rainfall exhibited less erosion than capped designs that shed runoff.
- Embankments with small, steep catchments showed minimal erosion potential, with internal deposition offering protection.
- Internal erosion and deposition can lead to long-term encapsulation if the external embankment is maintained.
Conclusions:
- LEM simulations offer valuable insights into the long-term erosional stability of tailings dams.
- Design strategies that manage rainfall capture can significantly reduce erosion risks.
- The developed modeling approach provides a template for global tailings dam assessment and improved design.
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