A case study of integrated remediation and engineering for tailings storage facilities reclamation

Authors: Laberge, S; Kolstad, D Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_60

Cite As:
Laberge, S & Kolstad, D 2026, 'A case study of integrated remediation and engineering for tailings storage facilities reclamation', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_60



Abstract:
Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) often remain critical to management of impacted water and soils long after mining operations cease, delaying decommissioning until remedial objectives are achieved. This paper presents a site‑specific, phased engineering pathway that prioritises site clean-up and long‑term risk reduction while advancing a sustainable and practical closure design for a TSF in Canada. The case study will discuss how early integration and alignment of engineering decisions with the remedial objectives for the site resulted in a closure approach that is both cost-effective and readily acceptable to all parties. The approach combines traditional site remediation tactics with adaptive, sustainable engineering design practices. Portions of the TSF dam are repurposed to create a smaller, engineered storage cell that maintains necessary containment of site-impacted waters while dramatically reducing the active footprint. The remaining TSF surface is transformed into an engineered landform that isolates residual tailings. Targeted infiltration zones promote natural flushing of impacted soils, accelerating recovery of groundwater plumes and creating soil substrates that can transition towards native ecological communities. These nature‑based mechanisms are deliberately integrated to complement, rather than complicate, the engineered system that rehabilitates the site. Water quality in site water conveyances will be monitored to demonstrate when the flushing period is complete and surface water is suitable for returning to existing waterways. Once the site meets remedial objectives and the TSF is no longer needed within the site water balance, staged dam removal and final landform construction can proceed. Throughout this paper the authors will highlight how long-term closure objectives aligned with the integrated design resulting from the engineering decision-making informed by clean-up timelines, material balances, infrastructure constraints, sustainability objectives and site‑specific inputs.

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