Excess mine tailings are transported to a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), which is purposely designed, in accordance with strict regulatory standards and guidelines, to safely accommodate the tailings. Each TSF is designed by a third-party dam engineer and takes into account local conditions such as: climate, topography, geological setting and seismicity(Mine, n.d.).
After a mine closes, tailings: the waste materials left over from ore processing must be carefully managed to prevent environmental and safety hazards.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Stabilization: TSFs are reinforced and covered to prevent erosion and contamination.
- Water Management: Water is treated, reused, or safely stored, with ongoing monitoring.
- Revegetation: Native plants and reshaped landforms help restore ecosystems.
- Monitoring: Long-term checks ensure structural and environmental stability.
- Repurposing: Some sites are reused for solar energy, industry, or recreation—after safety reviews.
A mine’s life may be finite, but its waste is a permanent legacy. So, what happens to the billions of tons of hazardous tailings left behind after a mine closes, and who is responsible for their long-term stability and safety?
Reference:
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Barnewold, L., & Lottermoser, B. G. (2020). Identification of digital technologies and digitalisation trends in the mining industry. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 30(6), 747–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.07.003
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Mine, A. E.-F. G. (n.d.). The facts about Tailings Storage. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://fgmcommunity.com.au
