Tailings Dams
Tailings dams, also known as residual ponds, are structures which contain accumulated effluent, slurry and/or tailing from extracting processes such as oil, gas, chemicals, or from the processing of metals like iron ore, gold, and copper. These dams are created to control and contain the waste produced during the extraction process, and the structures can be quite large. They are typically built by either earthworks, or a combination of both earthworks and metallic structures. Tailings dams vary in size and complexity, depending on the processes and materials used in their construction.
Tailings dams are used to protect the environment and the surrounding landscape. The dams are made up of an impermeable membrane which is designed to keep liquids or tailings from seeping into the ground and contaminating groundwater and surface water sources. Because these dams are built to trap tailings, they can also help to reduce erosion by keeping the soil from moving downstream.
There are a variety of methods used to construct tailings dams and the most common are earthen embankments, slurry barriers, and hydraulic constructions. Earthen embankments are typically the most economical to build and are built using soil. The construction processes will vary depending on site topography and environmental regulations. Slurry barriers are often constructed using bentonite which is mixed with water and then mixed with sand, gravel, and soil to create a barrier. Hydraulic constructions are made from steel or reinforced concrete and are designed to contain tailings until they are permanently placed or stored.
Tailings dams require significant maintenance and the quality of the construction is the key to their success. It is important to keep the dams in good condition, as improper maintenance can lead to problems such as cracking, leaking, or collapse. This can lead to significant environmental effects and potential health risks. A qualified engineer should be consulted to ensure that the structure is properly maintained.
Tailings dams can be beneficial to the environment in many ways. They can be used to reduce the amount of waste and pollutants entering the water supply, and can also provide a safe place to store tailings until they are permanently placed or stored. In addition, these dams can also help to reduce erosion and prevent downstream flooding. In order to be effective, these dams must be designed and maintained in accordance with environmental regulations to ensure the safety of both the environment and the local community.
