Tailing Dam Failures: Looming Threat, Devastating Consequences
- Author Gemma Ellithorn
- Published June 6, 2024
- Word count 723
A Tailing dam is a large structure, with walls typically built from earth, clay, and rock to form a large pond or lake.
They are used for storing waste liquids left over from leach mining processes. Leach mining involves the use of chemicals to dissolve elements like copper, gold, and uranium from the rocks containing them.
After separating the valuable minerals
from the liquid chemicals, the remaining solution is called tailings, these need to be stored for later processing.
Environmental Concerns
Tailings often contain toxic chemicals, and heavy metals, and can sometimes be radioactive depending on the type of mining. If not properly contained, these contaminants can leak into the surrounding environment, polluting water sources and harming wildlife.
Dam Construction
Tailing dams are typically built like embankment/earthen dams, using earth, clay, and rock to form a wall that holds back the tailings. Tailing dam failures can be catastrophic. If a dam breaks or leaks, it can unleash a massive wave of toxic sludge that can devastate entire communities. These failures can be caused by structural weaknesses, heavy rains, or earthquakes, and structural weakness brought about by unknown leakage.
A brief web search will show that in the last 14 years alone, 57 tailing dam failures have occurred worldwide. These failures are not just an environmental concern; they can claim lives. In the same period, 549 people were killed by failed tailings dams, and hundreds of thousands more have been left without homes, farms, clean water, and food
The Upstream Method?
When it comes to the construction of a tailing dam the most common way is the upstream method, this is where you have a starter dam this will usually be a small and stable embankment made of earth and rock. This initial embankment forms the foundation for the growing tailing dam. Liquid tailings are then emptied from the upstream side of the
starter dam.
These tailings settle and solidify over time, forming a beach-like area next to the dam wall. As the tailings accrue and the beach area solidifies, the dam wall itself slowly rises, any additional earth and rock materials are placed on top, extending it further upstream this is why it’s called “Upstream method.”
While this method seems economical… it comes with a significant risk. Studies show that over 32% of tailing dam failures in recent years were linked to the upstream construction method. Upstream dams are more likely to have weak spots in the ground that can turn to mush and slurry under pressure or shaking (like from earthquakes).
Dam Design, Construction and Management
The way tailings dams are often built means they can trap water pressure underneath; this can turn soil into a liquid under certain conditions. In addition, all methods of constructing dams are susceptible to overtopping if not professionally designed or maintained. When a dam failed in South Africa in 2022 it caused widespread destruction. This tragedy emphasises the urgent need for stricter regulations and improved safety measures in tailing dam design, construction, and management.
Another example is the dam failure in Brazil in 2019, which unleashed a wave of toxic mud that buried the communities surrounding it. These massive structures pose a significant threat to the environment and human life when they fail.
Dam foundation problems often stem from two things:
Building over weak geology.
Natural events (extreme weather and earthquakes).
The following study "Root Causes of Tailings Dam Overtopping: The Economics of Risk Consequence”
(by Bowker, L.N., Chambers and 09/2016) which examines historical tailings dam failures. This study highlights the maintenance risk factor, whereby a lack of ongoing monitoring and maintenance can lead to dam failure.
Advanced Monitoring Solutions
Unfortunately, traditional inspection methods for tailing dams often have limitations. These inspections might not be often enough to capture leaks before they get accelerate allowing problems to develop undetected.
Sensor recommends the use leak monitoring in tailing dam design. SENSOR DDS® technology can provide continuous, or intermittent monitoring of the dam allowing fast detection of possible leaks.
The potential impact of tailing dam failure demands an educated approach involving the design, technology, careful construction, and regular maintenance. Applying advanced monitoring technologies like Sensor DDS® can play a crucial role in preventing future disasters, reducing clean-up costs, whilst safeguarding lives and protecting local environments.
NEED SOME ADVICE?
Want to know more about Sensor UK please get in touch with us here: 01253 794400.
Our Website: https://sensor.uk.com
p.106657. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engg...
www.wise-uranium.org
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/bus... [Accessed 7 May 2024].
https://interestingengineering... [Accessed 7 May 2024].
https://mountainscholar.org/it... [Accessed 7 May 2024].
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Enhance Your Travels: A Guide to Chauffeur Services Near You
- Dog Grooming Ozone Machines: A Cleaner, Healthier Approach
- CNC Machining Vs 3D Printing: Which Technology Is Right For Your Project?
- Expert Decorating Tips for Small Flats in London: Enhance Space and Show Your Style
- Custom & Wholesale Silk Pajamas: Elevate Comfort and Style with Tianruiyi
- Elevate Your Style with Custom Silk Headbands from Tianruiyi
- A Luxury African Safari at Victoria Falls
- Low-Fidelity Vs High-Fidelity Prototypes: When To Use Each In Product Design
- Why Were Fake Eyelashes Invented & Fake Eyelashes History
- How History was Changed
- PG Tips Monkey Game
- Non resident Mortgages in Spain
- Top Wedding Destinations: The Best Places to Say "I Do"
- Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Season: When, Where, and How to Plan the Perfect Celebration
- Two luxury safari destinations: Zimbabwe and Kenya
- Two luxury safari destinations: Zimbabwe and Botswana
- Mastering Tinder: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting an Irresistible Profile🔥
- Kerb Appeal & Beyond: The Importance of Maintaining Your Home's Exterior in Rayleigh and Beyond
- Crystal Clear Conservatories: A Guide to Professional Cleaning in England
- From Rayleigh Gutters to Gutter Cleaning Empire: A Guide to Starting and Scaling Your Business
- Is Roof Cleaning Worth It? Absolutely—Here's Why
- The Best Gutter Guards: Why Mesh Stands Out
- Our Journey: The Story Behind All Seasons Cleaning Services
- The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning: Safety, Efficiency, and Longevity
- Why Insulate Your Crawl Space?
- The Importance of Vapor Barriers in Crawl Spaces
- Play Online Crazy Time with YesPlay & Win Big!
- Snooker Rules and Regulations: A comprehensive guide to the rules governing the game
- Snooker Sportsmanship: Discussing the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in snooker
- A Luxury Safari Holiday in Zimbabwe: Unparalleled Adventure and Opulence