Catastrophic failures of multiple tailings storage facilities (TSF) in recent years has led to greater awareness of the management of mine waste.
Being a potentially high-risk asset, TSFs, tailing ponds, dams and residue disposal areas are now considered one of the most important structures on any mine site, with consequences of dam failure ranging from the catastrophic and tragic loss of life, expensive clean-up operations and political consequences that jeopardise company's viability or may lead to imprisonment of the individuals responsible.
As the global demand for resources grows, more and more tailings facilities are either being opened or extended. Some TSFs are experiencing significant legacy issues during or at the end of mining operations. With the variability in the types of resources, methods of operation and processes involved in tailings formation, every site offers a unique challenge that needs innovative, safe and robust approaches.
GHD has gained a high level of Australian and global recognition for our safe, cost effective, practical and innovative methods in tailings storage design, management and construction supervision. From alumina to zinc, our team has a wide range of experience in dealing with both metalliferous and non-metalliferous tailings.
Some of our clients include Rio Tinto, BHP, South32, Glencore, PanAust, Alcoa, Gold Fields, Grange Resources, MMG Australia and Newcrest.
The range of activities we have been involved with includes consideration of integration of other mine wastes (such as co-disposal for coal tailings, placement of course and fine rejects) to develop robust solutions (such as dry stacking), and also modification of tailings and ponds by thickening (paste) or chemical modification to achieve desirable outcomes. GHD has focused on identifying the specific needs of the mine owners, and collaboratively developing safe, reliable and operational solutions.
Members of the GHD tailings team are active in governance and research in the mining industry and is represented on a number of local and global technical committees, including the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD).
Our tailings engineering and management services include:
- Risk management and emergency response planning
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Geochemistry evaluation
- Optimisation studies
- Investigation and design
- Procurement and commissioning
- Operations support
- Construction supervision
- Due diligence and peer review
- Closure and rehabilitation
- Tailings training and governance
We take a holistic approach to overall tailings management with our multi-disciplinary capability. Our services go beyond the scope of individual projects as we aim to be a trusted advisor for all tailings management related matters.
Our team has decades of experience and we aim to add value to every stage of any tailings project with imaginative thinking, safe and collaborative approaches.
Our services range from the process plant to tailings placement, and include transportation (pipeline or paste), placement (eg. Spigots, cyclone, dry stacking) and management (mud farming, filter presses). We have undertaken multiple projects where the management of waste dump and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) have been key challenges. Many of the facilities we have been involved with have required extensive lining and water management (both surface and groundwater).
In addition, our team has developed specialist skills and methodology in assessing static liquefaction potential of TSFs and how to design facilities to mitigate static liquefaction risks. a topic that has been considered as more common, but ‘less known’ by the mining sector and dams industry.
We have also supported and trained mine operators in multiple tailings operations and are leaders in the dam safety and emergency response area. We have also undertaken due diligence and peer review for multiple facilities across the globe.
Our team can help you manage business risk and liabilities, reduce project costs, improve cash flow, leverage innovations, support effective operations and deliver safe, outstanding tailings project outcomes.
Below are your key contacts for Tailings (Mines and Residue)
We have successfully worked with GHD for several years, they are easy to work with, professional and consistently deliver both high levels of service and quality design solutions. They are true partners, they keep their promises and work in collaboration with us and other stakeholders to deliver and exceed our client's expectations.
John Gittins
Interserve divisional Director
