Tailings storage facilities and management for the long run

We design mine tailings storage facilities that prioritize long-term safety and sustainability. With specialists located on six continents, we bring worldwide experience in all phases of design and implementation for tailings management projects. Proper tailings management is critical for the mining industry, environment, and communities around the globe. It¡¯s a core service¡ªand we have experience under a variety of climatic, social, environmental, and regulatory conditions.

Whether you need geotechnical stability and analysis, storage facility monitoring, or tailings storage design and management, we can provide a variety of tailing support services.

Our experience in tailings allows us to provide a full spectrum of tailings solutions including engineer of record (EOR) services. We currently serve as EORs for tailings facilities in North America, South America, Central America, and Asia.

Webinar: Cerro Verde Mine Tailings Storage Facility

Senior Vice President, James Obermeyer summarizes the collaborative design and construction process of a new tailings storage facility at the Cerro Verde mine that took place from 2008 to 2015.

Tailings management: What¡¯s holding us back from tailings valorization?

Many of the barriers to tailings valorization are not new to the mining industry¡ªtechnical and financial challenges. But there are examples of successful tailings rerouting for tellurium extraction and another example of generating revenue from bauxite residue. While mining operations need to make sense financially, creating a truly circular economy in the mining industry should be viewed as a reward in and of itself. Read More

Engineer of record services

Our work is done to the latest standards in the tailings community. This includes guidance from groups like the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, International Council on Mining & Metals, Mining Association of Canada, International Organization for Standardization, or International Committee on Large Dams. We specialize in gap analyses to get sites up to the ¡°new standards,¡± and have the track record to serve as a trusted advisor for any tailings project.

Reduce risks in tailings management

Industry trends¡ªtowards risk mitigation, water conservation, and the increasing importance of the social license to operate¡ªpresent tailings storage challenges. Changing regulations, permits, and guidelines mean tailings storage facilities need constant monitoring by geotechnical engineers who have an intimate knowledge of the site¡¯s construction and history. In some cases, the adoption of alternative tailings disposal methods, such as thickened, paste, filtered, or tailings and waste rock co-disposal may be the solution.

Mine waste cover design for reclamation and closure

Mine waste covers reduce erosion from wind and water while creating a stable environment suitable for revegetation and post-mining land use. Covers reduce the influx of water and oxygen, which reduces seepage of acid rock drainage and metals leaching from facilities. An intentionally designed cover can reduce long-term seepage management and result in significant cost savings. Further, vegetated covers using native plants blend with the natural surroundings and have lasting environmental benefits.
We design with safety and sustainability in mind for the long run
6
Continents
Top 1%
In the World

Â鶹´«Ã½ has tailings and waste experience on six continents.
Corporate Knights Global ranked us among the top 1% in the world on sustainable performance (2022).

Services


Mine Power Whether you are designing a new project or expanding your operations, we can assess your power needs, and design a system that meets your requirements, and is adaptable to long-term plans.
Hydrogeology & Geochemistry We have the experience and technical skills to evaluate, design, and build water treatment systems that are tailored to the unique factors of your mine.
Material Handling Systems Whether you're mining underground or at the surface, we can help you move materials important to your operation.
Mining - Environmental Services By understanding your goals and the needs of regulators and stakeholders, we can put together a strategy that is balanced for success.
Mine Ventilation Systems One of our most important roles when ventilating an underground mine worker safety: making sure airflow is sufficient in quantity and quality.
Shafts & Hoisting Systems We have skilled shaft and hoisting experts who will work with you to tailor designs to meet your needs.
Mine Water Treatment We have the experience and technical skills to evaluate, design, and build water treatment systems that are tailored to the unique factors of your mine.

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  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.