Tailings are the waste products of mining and mineral processing. They are produced by extracting minerals from ore, then processing them into a useful form. Tailings are often created in the form of a slurry, which is a watery suspension containing finely-ground rock particles and other materials, such as chemicals and reagents. This slurry is then either discharged into the environment or stored in containment facilities, such as tailings ponds. Tailings ponds are designed to keep the tailings away from the surrounding environment and to prevent any contamination of nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Tailings ponds have been used for over a century to store and manage mining waste and byproducts. Generally, tailings are stored in ponds, which are usually lined with a layer of clay or other material, such as waxed paper, that prevents escape of the tailings. Tailings can vary in terms of size and composition, ranging from sand-like materials to hard rock fragments.
These ponds are typically large and so require constant maintenance in order to function correctly. Regular monitoring of the pond, paying attention to the water levels, the condition of the lining, and any potential developments of the surrounding environment is key to managing the pond efficiently. If the concentration of certain elements in the tailings is too high, they can become toxic and potentially be washed away into nearby waterways. Additionally, potential ground water contamination could occur if the wastewater is able to travel through the earth because of a breach in the liner.
Tailings ponds can also be a source of air pollution, due to the dust-like materials released when the particles in the tailings dry and become airborne. The dust can contain heavy metals, and if ingested can have a negative effect on human health. The pollution can also have an impact on nearby plant and animal life.
The management of tailings ponds is an important facilitator for responsible and sustainable resource extraction and therefore an important aspect of a successful mining operation. In Australia, the government has implemented stringent regulations on the design, construction, and maintenance of tailings ponds, which outlines specific requirements for each. In order to ensure the safety of the environment, the responsible management of tailings ponds is essential and there must be measures in place to quickly detect and address any potential problems.
Overall, tailings ponds are a necessary component of the resource extraction industry and a key part of the successful management of mining waste and by-products. Properly maintained ponds are vital to the responsible and sustainable extraction of resources, as well as to the safety and health of workers, nearby communities, and ecosystems.
