Tailings and Mine Waste Conference

Risk-informed methodology for prioritizing responses associated with mine wasted Fasking, Todd; Mohseni, Omid; Hansen, Tor

Abstract

Most mining incorporates processes that upgrade ore to increase value. As part of this processing, some type of waste is typically generated. Mine operation and waste management can present both physical and chemical risks that sometimes negatively affect stakeholders, social license, and/or a company’s financial health. This paper reviews some approaches to prioritize mitigation efforts presented by physical and chemical risks primarily associated with mine wastes. When looking at exposure risk associated with legacy sites, the prioritization process can account for a number of screening considerations, including chemicals present on site, receptor types, exposure pathways, stakeholder concerns, and mitigation net present value (NPV). Another prioritization method focuses on the physical risk presented by dams and impoundments. A risk-informed decision-making methodology can help companies prioritize assessments and remedial work by examining failure modes and the magnitudes of the failure outcomes. Our paper will present some case studies showing application of these methodologies.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International