Por: Edgar R. Quiroz, gerente de Relaves y Aguas en MMG Minera Las Bambas. 

Abstract

Tailings occur at the intersection of a complex system that connects a mine with physical and social environments, in space and time, and history has shown us that complex systems cannot be managed through engineering solutions alone. The mining industry must work in collaboration with experts, academia, regulators and communities to find sustainable and responsible solutions to tailings deposit governance and operation issues in Peru. To this end, it must develop and implement a Tailings Management System.

This paper is intended to show the implementation of a tailings management system at a large tailings storage facility with tailings production of 43 Mt per year based on the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (Ancold) and the ICMM Good Practice Guide. The following contents will be presented:

1. Risk Assessment: How a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted to identify and understand the potential hazards associated with the tailings storage facility. This includes consideration of geotechnical, hydrological, environmental and social risks, as well as potential dam failure risks.

2. Design and construction: How can one ensure that the design and construction of the tailings storage facility complies with the standards and best practices set out in the GISTM and Ancold guide. This includes considering aspects such as geotechnical stability, drainage system, selection of suitable construction materials and implementation of appropriate compaction techniques.

3. Monitoring and control: As one of the most modern real-time continuous monitoring and control systems in the world has been established to evaluate the stability and performance of the tailings storage facility. This includes the installation of geotechnical instrumentation, water pressure monitoring systems, seismic monitoring systems, among others. In addition, it will be shown how to establish clear protocols for monitoring data interpretation and decision making.

4. Emergency plan: A detailed emergency response preparedness plan will be presented that contemplates different scenarios of tailings deposit failure or collapse. This plan includes evacuation procedures, emergency communication, coordination with local authorities, and rapid response practices to minimize risks to communities and the environment.

5. Regulatory compliance: It will be shown how compliance with local and international regulations and standards applicable to tailings management is ensured. This includes compliance with safety standards, environmental impact assessments and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses.

These recommendations are just a few of the many that should be considered when managing high tailings storage facilities. It is essential to have the expertise of professionals specialized in tailings management and to follow the guidelines established in the GISTM and the Ancold guide to ensure safe and sustainable tailings management in the mining industry.