Tailing Storage Facilities & Management

Environmental and social issues have grown in importance as attention on mine operations has grown to include the potential impacts from tailing materials as well as the physical stability of tailing storage. MWH, now part of Stantec, has experience with tailing management, from environmental assessments and background studies to dam design, planning and closure. We are versed in the latest relevant technologies, regulations and guidelines. Our capabilities include knowledge of a wide-range of tailing and other mine waste products and we have hands-on knowledge from years of project management in a variety of geographies and climatic conditions.

MWH is experienced in designing tailing storage facilities and handling conventional thickened, paste and filtered tailing disposal methods. We recognize the need for tailing facilities to meet local and international design standards. Sustainability (social, financial, and environmental aspects) plays a significant role in our designs. We align our designs to adhere to G4 principles as set forth by the GRI. Additionally, we work closely with groups such as ICOLD and ICMM who are at the forefront of tailing management.

When approaching closure challenges, our experience in decommissioning tailing storage facilities takes a client through a logical staged sequence of problem solving activities. We offer an in-depth knowledge of the tailing management life cycle and experience in the development of tailing decommissioning plans. Our team has designed and researched closure solutions, and been recognized for understanding cover design and ecological restoration of tailing storage facilities and other disturbed surfaces.

Our services include:

• Site evaluation and selection
• Baseline environmental studies
• Environmental and social impact assessments
• Identification and preparation of legal documents
• Short and long-term planning and permitting
• Feasibility studies and financial reviews
• Water balance, water treatment, and water management plans
• Design of tailing storage facilities and associated engineering analyses
• Construction management and quality control/quality assurance
• Ongoing support and management for operating tailing disposal facilities
• Geochemical and water quality assessments
• Inspection and compliance reviews
• Failure evaluations
• Risk and hazard assessment
• Life-cycle studies
• Closure planning, design and implementation
• Evaluation of alternative tailing disposal technologies and schemes
• Pilot scale test work and material characterization

Meet our MWH Experts