Introduction

This course covers the range of Mine Tailings Disposal and Management options that are currently used both nationally and internationally. This provides an understanding of the principles involved and a perspective on other options that may be viable to a particular site. Design considerations and procedures are discussed, although the primary objective is not to develop design skills per se, but rather to enable operators and managers to understand and interpret design and operating reports prepared by outside consulting engineers.
The course will briefly cover the preparation and transportation of tailings, focusing on how these aspects affect design and operational decisions for the tailings storage facility (TSF). The engineering characteristics of tailings relevant to the management of these facilities are dealt with in detail, with the objective of providing a sound fundamental understanding of this aspect of tailings management.

Course Benefits

The METS Mine Tailings Disposal Course provides a concise overview of the challenges and considerations involved in the design, management and operation of tailings storage facilities. Tailings storage is a critical aspect of most mining operations, and as such the benefits to be gained from this course are numerous. Attendees will gain an insight into a range of factors that are critical for locating, designing and operating TSF’s. Consideration is also given to legislative and environmental obligations when operating TSF’s. Emphasis is placed on various methods of tailings transport and storage as well as operating strategies that can be utilised to optimise the life and cost effectiveness of TSF’s. Leading practice tailings management protocols will be discussed in detail.

In addition the consequences of tailings facility failures are established through the evaluation of a number of case studies. Participants are provided with comprehensive course notes on CD covering the basic theoretical and practical aspects of tailings management.

Speaker

Damian Connelly - Director/Principal Consulting Engineer
Mineral Engineering Technical Services

METS' training courses have been run both in Australia and overseas, and are highly regarded.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended to accelerate the learning process of those responsible for tailings disposal facilities by providing focused sessions that deal with basic principles and operational practices. The sessions are integral to understanding the performance of tailings disposal facilities and have been developed to reinforce the participants’ understanding of the linkages between cause and effect.
Personnel that are responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of TSFs often do not have relevant training and may not be equipped to ensure the facility is operated in such a way that potential risks are minimised. Currently, many young practitioners are required to take responsibility for operating a TSF without having any training. Lessons are learned on-site, often by ‘trial and error’ and potentially at significant cost to the mine owner.

Course Programme

1. Predevelopment Consideration
2. Reasons for Managing Tailings Disposal
3. Tailings Management Systems
4. Leading Practice Trailings Management
5. Tailings Disposal
6. Tailings Storage Techniques
7. Improved Tailings Disposal
8. Trailings Dam Failures
9. Case Study-BAIA MARE
10. Case Study-OK TEDI MINE
11. Case Study-STAVA DISASTER-CENTRAL ITALY
12. Case Study-LOS FRAILES DISASTER-SPAIN
13. Case Study-MERRIESPRUIT, NEAR VIRGINIA, SOUTH AFRICA
14. Summary of Tailings Related Accidents
15. Mining Industry and Lessons Learnt

  Click here to download our Mine Tailings Disposal Course Brochure