Tailings are a combination of: fine-grained solid materials that remain after recoverable metals and minerals have been extracted from the mixed ore; and any remaining process water. The physical and chemical composition of tailings varies with the nature of the material, that is, the inherent geophysical and geochemical parameters, and the manner of its processing (that is, the mechanical and/or chemical transformation process and any additives). Tailings are most commonly stored in surface tailings storage facilities which often represent a large proportion of area disturbance at mining operations.
Mining companies must strive for excellence in the management of risks and implementation of both the operational works and the closure plans for tailings facilities. A key objective is to encourage the mining industry to take a longer-term approach to the planning of tailings storage facilities.
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