Applying the material point method for Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management compliance

Authors: Kerguelen, A; Calvo, A; Sepulveda, M; Cobos, D; Lizcano, A

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_39

Cite As:
Kerguelen, A, Calvo, A, Sepulveda, M, Cobos, D & Lizcano, A 2026, 'Applying the material point method for Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management compliance', in AB Fourie, M Horta, M Oliveira & S Wilson (eds), Paste 2026: Proceedings of the 28th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-17, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_39

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Abstract:
The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) requires credible failure–scenario assessments and consequence zoning. Current practice, guided by the Canadian Dam Association (2021), prioritises water-laden tailings with hydraulic entrainment (Cases 1A and 1B) leaving solids-dominated releases (Cases 2A and 2B) less explored. This work extends routine assessment to such cases using the material point method (MPM) – a large-deformation numerical technique suited to solid-dominated failures where interparticle friction and shear strength control post-failure and runout. The methodology is illustrated through 3 case studies: a conventional tailings storage facility (TSF) with a pond located at the toe of the dam, a compacted filtered TSF placed over a waste rock dump, and a compacted filtered TSF located in a valley. The results provide estimated runout distances under these conditions, highlighting MPM’s capability to support GISTM compliance and comprehensive risk evaluations.

Keywords: Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, material point method, solids-dominated failure, compacted filtered tailings, runout

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