Advanced monitoring of Tailings Storage Facilities and dams to prevent failure (2023)

Alastair B Bovim, Kym L Morton²
Insight Terra UK Limited, 112 Jermyn Street, St James, London,
²KLM Consulting Services Pty Ltd, 22 Central Road, Sunrella AH, South, PO Box, 119, Lanseria, 1748,
South Africa,

Abstract
Following the publication of the Global International Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) many different types of monitoring network have been launched for use in the de-risking of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF). Management of risk depends on using accurate data that is translated into information, then knowledge. Very fast data transmission coupled to real-time bespoke dashboards have become a significant tool for risk reduction. This paper summarises the monitoring networks available and ranks them for effectiveness in preventing failures.
The main finding is that the best monitoring systems include measurement of the factors behind causes of failure, such as measurement of hydraulic pressures and their speed of change both beneath and around TSF’s and dam walls. Groundwater monitoring is an important component for risk management. Linkage to cost effectiveness encourages the systems to be installed and contribute to TSF management. Automation reduces human error. Recalculation of Safety Factors is possible and can be frequently updated.
The essential components of TSF risk reduction are discussed and a blueprint for accurate risk management with practical outcomes is presented. Techniques such as real time geo-resistivity profiling are illustrated. Case studies from Europe (Keilder Water), Africa and South America (El Soldado) are given and the future of TSF monitoring is discussed.
This work will be very useful to TSF managers and all those involved in promoting the safety of TSF’s in all types of climates and terrain. Transparency in information sharing and the international dissemination of TSF health to shareholders, stakeholders, communities and insurers can become routine.

Keywords: Tailings storage facilities (TSF), global international standard for tailings
management (GISTM), monitoring, risk, pressures, failure

Morton, K.L. & Bovim, A. (2023) ‘Advanced monitoring of Tailings Storage Facilities and dams to prevent failure – illustrated with case studies from UK, Africa and South America’, in Stanley, P., Wolkersdorfer, C., Wolkersdorfer, K. & Mugova, E. (eds.) IMWA 2023 – Y Dyfodol | The Future, Newport, Wales, UK: International Mine Water Association, pp. 69–76.