Geotechnical Considerations in Designing Tailings Storage Facilities to Minimise Environmental Impact

Disposal of tailings is commonly considered to be the single most important source of potential environmental impact for many mining projects. Increased public awareness and regulatory involvement have meant that the management of tailings is possibly the most sensitive environmental issue confronting the mining industry at present. Consequently, the design of a tailings storage facility has evolved into a critical aspect for all mining operations. This paper provides a broad overview of the key geotechnical considerations associated with environmentally responsible tailings storage facility design.