Improvements in metallurgical technologies, the movement towards high volume processing and the development of lower cost extractive technologies has in some cases converted previously sub economic mineral concentrations into attractive ore bodies. Tailings storage facilities (TSF) are currently considered to be among the largest manmade structures, with the industry’s processing capabilities enabling the processing of large, lower concentration ore bodies, tailings volumes will in all likelihood increase to beyond what is currently the case. This will subsequently lead to larger impoundment storage volume requirements.
TSF’s are a cost to the mining process which do not generate a revenue stream for the mine owner. Due to this, innovation in TSF construction which contributes to the economic and environmental sustainability of mining operations is welcomed by the industry. However, recent failures in North and South America, Africa and Asia emphasize the need for any innovation in the field to be safe and to reduce the risk of failure.
For several decades geosynthetics have been used successfully for mine related applications including the capping of residue lagoons, geogrid reinforcing of retaining structures, including dam walls, reinforcement of access roads, and lining of TSF’s and other impoundment facilities. In fact, almost all types of geosynthetics for the purposes of separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, protection, sealing and erosion protection can be applied within the wide application field of tailings dams.