Towards closure — considerations in tailings storage design

This paper explores the relationship between geotechnical issues and drainage/water management in the design of tailings storages for closure, with an emphasis on high rainfall and tropical environments. Selection of the tailings system for a project will greatly influence the tailings geotechnical characteristics within the storage facility (i.e. tailings density and strength). Other influences include ore type, grind size etc. Options available include the use of high density thickened tailings or filtered tailings. Higher density and greater strength tailings should lead to reduced differential settlements, reduced risk of failure of tailings storage facility (TSF) cover drainage (water management) systems and hence better closure outcomes. Selection of the tailings system for the project can have other impacts on water management for the project, including water conservation (e.g. thickened or filtered tailings and greater return of water at the plant).