Tailings management

Sustainability and social responsibility have become a top priority for mining companies. Water is becoming scarcer, and the cost of water is rising in some regions to all time highs. Low head grades and ore bodies continue to pose their own challenge with the growing demand. Meanwhile tailings dams’ failures are causing destruction ranging from fatalities of innocent lives to property destruction.

At Metso Outotec we believe there is no reason to explore interim solutions. Metso Tailings Management solutions will move towards dry tailings, mine backfills and address the closure of legacy dams. Providing a long term solution while answer today's immediate challenges.

Higher CAPEX and OPEX are two key elements of profitability. They have been a deterrent for the mining industry to invest in tailings management one way or the other. But is there a cost too large to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the site workers?

At Metso we are challenging the conventional thinking, while changing the view around the costs around dry tailings and stacking. Contrary to the perception, dry tailings management is much more cost effective. Metso Outotec Tailings Management brings a comprehensive approach by combining 3 practices: Dewatering the tailings, handling them with dry stacking, and reprocessing new and existing ones. We also look to elevate the approach to reduce social hazards and associated risks, which will improve the overall image of the mining industry.

There are millions of tons being discharged today and billions laying in legacy dams. Whether driven by regulatory pressure or colossall losses in case of a dam failure or water scarcity, mine tailings can become a strong business case in the future.

Our propriatory research shows that if effectively managed the tailings can be a great opportunity to generate value in future. Our analysis indicates that dry stacking tailings solutions are the way forward for a reason. As a disruptive practice it can eliminate tailings ponds in the coming years besides lowering the risk of dam failures and groundwater contamination. With reprocessing we can set the stage for extracting value in the future, transforming legacy dams from a liability to an asset.