How can you effectively monitor tailings quality during disposal?

2 Instrumentation and sensors

Another method to monitor tailings quality during disposal is to install instrumentation and sensors in the tailings storage facilities to measure and record various parameters in real-time or at regular intervals. Instrumentation and sensors can help you monitor the temperature, pressure, moisture, flow, density, conductivity, and other parameters of the tailings. You can use various types of instrumentation and sensors, such as thermocouples, piezometers, moisture probes, flow meters, density gauges, or conductivity meters, depending on the purpose and location of the monitoring. You can also use wireless or wired systems to transmit and store the data collected by the instrumentation and sensors.

3 Remote sensing and geophysics

A third method to monitor tailings quality during disposal is to use remote sensing and geophysics techniques to capture and analyze the spatial and temporal variations of the tailings and the storage facilities. Remote sensing and geophysics can help you monitor the surface and subsurface features, such as topography, vegetation, water quality, seepage, erosion, subsidence, and deformation of the tailings. You can use various remote sensing and geophysics techniques, such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, radar, lidar, or ground-penetrating radar, depending on the resolution and coverage required.

4 Modeling and simulation

A fourth method to monitor tailings quality during disposal is to use modeling and simulation tools to predict and evaluate the behavior and performance of the tailings and the storage facilities under different scenarios and conditions. Modeling and simulation can help you monitor the stability, risk, impact, and optimization of the tailings disposal system. You can use various modeling and simulation tools, such as numerical models, probabilistic models, or empirical models, depending on the complexity and uncertainty involved.

5 Auditing and reporting

A fifth method to monitor tailings quality during disposal is to conduct auditing and reporting activities to verify and communicate the results and findings of the monitoring methods and tools. Auditing and reporting can help you monitor the compliance, accountability, and transparency of the tailings disposal system. You can use various auditing and reporting activities, such as internal audits, external audits, inspections, reviews, or disclosures, depending on the standards and regulations applicable.

6 Continuous improvement

A sixth method to monitor tailings quality during disposal is to implement continuous improvement processes to identify and address the gaps and opportunities for improvement in the monitoring methods and tools. Continuous improvement can help you monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of the tailings disposal system. You can use various continuous improvement processes, such as plan-do-check-act, root cause analysis, or corrective and preventive actions, depending on the nature and magnitude of the improvement needed.