Tailings management has become a crucial challenge for the mining industry, driven by increasing environmental awareness, the demand for higher standards and the need to transform operations with better safety and operational performance, and lower environmental impacts.
Ausenco, with its comprehensive approach and regional experience, is positioned as a strategic partner for mining companies, offering solutions ranging from initial planning through to mine closure and post-closure, ensuring responsible, profitable and sustainable tailings management.
Challenges and opportunities
Tailings management presents challenges that require innovative solutions and in-depth analysis. The Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) highlights the importance of an interdiscipline approach, and a perspective that considers the needs of communities, the environment and the supply chain.
One of the biggest challenges lies in managing the variable volume and composition of tailings. The quantity, chemical and geochemical composition of these wastes vary according to the type of mineral, the extraction process and the technology used, which requires specific management plans for each case. Innovative technologies are needed to optimize treatment processes, minimize environmental impact and reduce costs.
Environmental contamination is another crucial challenge. The accumulation of tailings without proper management can lead to surface and groundwater contamination, erosion, gas emissions and human health risks. The need to design storage and disposal systems that minimize environmental risks and ensure long-term safety becomes critical to the sustainability of mining operations.
Tailings management standards and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, driven by the need to protect the environment and ensure the safety of communities. Mining companies must comply with international and national standards, which implies a continuous commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In addition, tailings management costs are a constant concern for mining companies. Investment in infrastructure, operation and maintenance requires strategic planning to ensure profitability. The search for solutions that allow the reuse of tailings, the generation of energy from their processing or the production of new materials presents opportunities for reducing costs and generating economic value.
The figure below presents a cost comparison of various tailings management technologies, as outlined by Carneiro and Fourie (2018)*. The graphic indicates that filtered tailings exhibit the widest range in costs (as shown by the MIN and MAX bars); however, they also show the lowest overall potential capital expenditure once additional factors―such as earthworks, makeup water pumping, and pipeline costs―are considered.
The challenges above highlight the importance and need for teams with multidiscipline, comprehensive knowledge and experience that understand the different possible scenarios and influencing factors in tailings management. It also highlights the need for teams that have the experience to aid in the application of new technologies.
The path forward
At Ausenco, our comprehensive approach, experience and commitment to excellence enable us to provide solutions that contribute to responsible and sustainable tailings management, ensuring the success of mining projects and the protection of the environment. Based on our experience, we provide the following tailings management recommendations to mining companies:
- Prioritize comprehensive tailings impoundment lifecycle management. From initial planning to mine closure, it is crucial to ensure safety and environmental sustainability.
- Implement innovative technologies for tailings management. The search for solutions that allow the reuse of tailings, the generation of energy from them or the production of new materials is key to sustainability in the mining industry.
- Optimize tailings management processes. The implementation of technological tools and the optimization of management processes allows us to reduce costs, improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
- Prioritize communication and dialogue with communities. Transparency and active participation of communities in tailings management decision-making are essential for social acceptance of mining activity.
Ausenco: Strategic partner for integrated tailings management
At Ausenco, we specialize in integrated tailings management, offering a solution that ranges from initial planning to mine closure and beyond. Our differentiator lies in our knowledge and ability to integrate all disciplines and areas involved in the process, from production and transportation to management, final disposal, closure and reintegration into the environment.
What does a comprehensive solution entail?
- Tailings management systems design: From conventional wet tailings impoundments, paste and thickened tailings, deep water tailings placement, tailings transport and pipelines, dry stacking of filtered tailings, to paste backfill preparation and distribution.
- Construction and commissioning: We ensure quality and safety in the implementation of tailings management systems.
- Operation and maintenance: We provide operation and maintenance services to ensure optimal performance of tailings management systems.
- Tailings deposit lifecycle management: We assist mining companies in managing the tailings deposit lifecycle, from its initial design to mine closure, ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
- Technological innovation: We offer innovative solutions for tailings management, such as the development of treatment technologies, waste reuse and energy generation.
- Advisory and consultancy services: We provide technical and strategic support to mining companies in making informed decisions regarding tailings management.
- Environmental impact and communities: The environmental impact associated with tailings management is a critical factor in the viability of mining projects. We focus on communication and dialogue with communities, providing clear and transparent information on tailings management and ensuring that water sources are not impacted.
At Ausenco, we are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Our integrated approach enables us to minimize environmental impact, optimize costs and ensure safe operations. Tailings management involves complex challenges but is also an opportunity for innovation and sustainability. Our team, with its experience and commitment to excellence, has been a strategic partner for mining companies seeking responsible and sustainable solutions.
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Source: * https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1805_36_Carneiro/ Page 449, accessed on September 20, 2024