What are the best strategies for managing tailings and waste rock disposal and rehabilitation?

1 Choose the right disposal method

The first step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to choose the most suitable method for the site conditions, the type and volume of the materials, and the regulatory requirements. There are various options for disposing tailings and waste rock, such as surface impoundments, underground backfilling, dry stacking, co-disposal, paste tailings, and thickened tailings. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as water availability, geotechnical stability, land use, climate, and seismicity. Therefore, it is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, social, technical and economic aspects of each option before making a decision.

2 Design and operate the disposal facilities with care

The second step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to design and operate the disposal facilities with care, following the best practices and standards for safety, quality and performance. This includes ensuring that the facilities have adequate engineering, monitoring, and maintenance systems, as well as contingency plans for emergencies and accidents. It also involves applying the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle to minimize the generation and consumption of water, energy and materials. Furthermore, it requires engaging with the stakeholders, such as the regulators, the communities, and the workers, to ensure transparency, accountability and social acceptance.

3 Implement progressive rehabilitation and closure plans

The third step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to implement progressive rehabilitation and closure plans, aiming to restore the land to a stable and productive condition. This involves developing and executing a rehabilitation and closure plan that covers the objectives, methods, costs, and responsibilities for the reclamation of the disposal facilities and the surrounding areas. It also involves conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of the rehabilitation and closure activities, as well as adapting to changing circumstances and feedback. Moreover, it requires ensuring that the post-closure liabilities and risks are minimized and managed, as well as securing the financial and institutional arrangements for the long-term care of the site.

4 Adopt innovative technologies and solutions

The fourth step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to adopt innovative technologies and solutions that can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the disposal and rehabilitation processes. These technologies and solutions can range from advanced sensors and software for real-time data collection and analysis, to novel materials and methods for enhancing the stability and performance of the disposal facilities, to alternative uses and applications for the tailings and waste rock, such as construction materials, soil amendments, or mineral extraction. By adopting these technologies and solutions, mining companies can reduce their environmental footprint, optimize their resources, and create value from their waste.

5 Learn from the best practices and experiences

The fifth step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to learn from the best practices and experiences of other mining companies, organizations, and experts, as well as from the lessons and insights of the past failures and successes. This involves participating in knowledge sharing and collaboration platforms, such as networks, forums, conferences, and publications, that can provide relevant and useful information, guidance, and support for the disposal and rehabilitation challenges and opportunities. It also involves conducting benchmarking and auditing exercises, as well as seeking feedback and advice from independent and credible sources, to assess and improve the performance and compliance of the disposal and rehabilitation practices.

6 Continuously improve and innovate

The sixth and final step in managing tailings and waste rock disposal is to continuously improve and innovate, by applying the principles of continuous improvement, adaptive management, and learning organization. This means that mining companies should constantly monitor, evaluate, and review their disposal and rehabilitation practices, as well as the external and internal factors that affect them, such as the stakeholder expectations, the regulatory changes, the technological developments, and the operational results. It also means that mining companies should seek to identify and implement new and better ways of disposing and rehabilitating their tailings and waste rock, by fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and experimentation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?