Tailings Dams ⎯ The Importance of Considering Closure at the Start of the Project

Authors: Viveros, K; Barrera, S Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_17

Cite As:
Viveros, K & Barrera, S 2006, 'Tailings Dams ⎯ The Importance of Considering Closure at the Start of the Project', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2006: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 247-255, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_17



Abstract:
The present study demonstrates the advantages of a tailings dam design considering the aspects of its closure from the very beginning. With this purpose, the mining development in Chile is analysed. Its impact in terms of the environmental legacy with special emphasis on tailings dams which have ceased their operations, an assessment of the main difficulties faced and legal regulations of the process are analysed. This defines a baseline reflecting the activities involved in the closure process at the beginning of tailings dam useful life, and not at the end of it. Two closed Chilean operations tailings storage facilities permit the analysis of the design criteria used and consequently, the advantages of incorporating the closure process in the early design of these deposits.

References: