Tailings dams play a crucial role in the mining industry, and at Viscaria, they are a central part of our environmental strategy. We spoke with our dam expert, Annika, to gain a deeper understanding of what mine tailings dams are, their function, and how innovative solutions are used to ensure the highest safety and environmental standards at Viscaria.
What is a mine tailings dam, and why are they needed?
A mine tailings dam is a facility consisting of a storage area confined by dam structures that collect tailings – a by-product of mining operations. Without these facilities, the environmental impact would be significant. Historically, around 100 years ago, tailings were often released directly into watercourses, causing severe environmental problems. As a result, tailings dams were developed to safely contain the tailings and protect the surrounding environment. They are, therefore, an essential component of a sustainable mining project.
Different types of dams
There are three main types of tailings dams used in mining:
- Upstream dams: The dam is gradually built inward on top of the deposited tailings.
- Downstream dams: The dam is built on natural ground, making it the safest but also the most expensive method. At Viscaria, we have chosen this type due to the properties of our tailings and the need for maximum safety.
- Centreline dams: A hybrid method where the dam is built partially on natural ground and partially on deposited tailings.
At Viscaria, we also use co-disposal, where tailings and waste rock are managed together. This means that waste rock is used to construct the dams, reducing the need for separate waste rock storage areas, minimising land use, and thereby reducing our environmental footprint.
Safety and innovation
The safety of tailings dams relies on three pillars: design, construction, and operation. From feasibility studies to post-closure management, a clear and continuous approach ensures robust solutions that can withstand changing conditions and external pressures, such as climate change.
At Viscaria, we have chosen drained dams to minimise the water volume in the tailings storage facility, reducing the potential consequences of a dam failure. Additionally, co-disposal of tailings and waste rock reduces the need for transport and material handling, further improving efficiency and safety.
A key part of our environmental strategy
Tailings dams not only contribute to safety but also help to minimise the environmental footprint. By integrating post-closure planning into the design phase, we create solutions that are easy to construct, maintain, and decommission.
Water management is another critical aspect – we keep water volumes in the storage facilities low, and all water is treated through our water treatment plant before being returned to nature or reused in operations.
Collaboration and open dialogue
Annika emphasises the importance of Viscaria’s unique approach, where dialogue with stakeholders is a fundamental part of the planning process. This includes not only the Sámi, landowners, and other key stakeholders but also all parties involved in the design and planning phases. For example, contractors are engaged from the design stage.
Viscaria’s philosophy is to avoid one-way communication and instead create an environment where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions. An open and inclusive process strengthens collaboration between different stakeholders and makes working at Viscaria both engaging and rewarding.
The future
Viscaria’s unique climate conditions and the project’s tight schedule present challenges, but thanks to our infrastructure team – where all stakeholders collaborate from the start – we have been able to develop solutions that meet both current and future challenges.
The future of tailings dams is less about technical improvements and more about logistics. Annika believes that other mining projects can learn from our holistic approach and collaborative way of working, setting a model for sustainable and safe mining operations.
Mine tailings dams are not just a necessity for the mining industry and Viscaria – they are an opportunity to showcase how innovation, sustainability, and safety can be combined to create a better future.