Real-time monitoring for structural health, public safety, and risk management of mine tailings dams

Abstract

Public awareness of tailings dam failures is increasing in the wake of incidents in Canada and abroad. The present work establishes the current state of practice in mine tailings dam monitoring and provides a summary of the current technical and operational gaps identified through industry and stakeholder engagement. These gaps may be addressed with currently available technologies supplied by commercial instrumentation manufacturers; however, the assumed costs and lack of regulatory demand may serve as barriers to adoption. An integrated approach and diverse suite of technologies is needed to address issues of dam stability, worker and public safety, and environmental protection. Technological applications and limitations are described and design requirements are proposed for an integrated, real-time monitoring system. Socio-economic impacts and loss reduction benefits are considered and the need for industry and regulator participation is emphasized.