First published in MundoMinero (digital edition), July 2025. Used with permission.
Mexico is growing as a major global mining jurisdiction for precious and base metals such as silver, gold, copper and zinc. But this growth brings increasing environmental and societal challenges, reflected by the country’s evolving mining regulations. One of the major areas of concern revolves around tailings―there are close to 600 tailings dams in Mexico with different operating status[1]. Large quantities of tailings are produced during the mining process, and these need to be processed and disposed safely to reduce impact on the environment and surrounding communities.
Ausenco, a leading engineering, consulting and project delivery firm for the mining sector, delivers tailings management solutions that conform to international best practices and standards, such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), Canadian Mining Association (CDA), and the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), amongst others. They integrate their expertise with state-of-the-art technologies to optimize tailings system performance, safety, operational efficiency, and water use. Their approach is to ensure zero harm to people and the environment.
The company’s integrated tailings management approach is a differentiator in the market. Not only do they design tailings management facilities (including processing, transport, and deposition areas), but also deliver environmental studies and integrated water recovery and transport. Ausenco provides solutions for the entire lifecycle of tailings, from initial planning, to design, construction, operations, closure and post-closure of the mine. The team delivers solutions for all the components of the tailings management system, from its origin in the process plant to final disposal, optimising each stage of the process. With this holistic mindset, they also support owners in meeting GISTM requirements by integrating community engagement into tailings management―from stakeholder mapping to co-developing emergency response plans and grievance mechanisms that build trust and social acceptance.
From designing safe and efficient tailings management facilities to managing water resources and planning for closure and post-closure rehabilitation, Ausenco’s professionals are experts at addressing the most complex tailings challenges. They ensure projects are executed to the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, even in difficult terrain or climate conditions. While considering local climate conditions, Ausenco also incorporates projections of future climate hazards and extreme events to support the design of resilient and climate-adaptive tailings infrastructure.
In addition, the team also believes in pushing the boundaries and evolving the industry for the better, always looking to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that meet or exceed current regulatory standards, and anticipate future needs. They collaborate with mining owners to develop new technologies including tailings dewatering methods for increased water recovery and tailings impoundment safety, and a preconcentration process to eliminate coarser materials earlier to achieve water and energy savings.
Ausenco is deeply committed to the Mexico market and is looking to build long lasting partnerships with clients, local stakeholders and communities. Supported by a global network of experts, they recently opened a second Mexico office in Chihuahua. With more than 20 staff members dedicated to providing tailings solutions in Mexico, their combined experience includes more than 20 mine sites across the country.
“We know that it is important to have staff that can provide responsive service, understand the culture and business environment in Mexico, and have strong relationships with local regulatory authorities and communities,” says Daniel Servigna, Ausenco’s Vice President and Global Practice Lead for Geotechnical & Tailings.
Learn more on how Ausenco can help you overcome your challenges with tailings management.
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[1] (September 18, 2022). Towards a National Plan for the Attention and Management of Tailings Dams in Mexico. The Government of Mexico. Towards a National Plan for the Attention and Management of Tailings Dams in Mexico | Mexican Institute of Water Technology | Government | gob.mx