Tailings and Mine Waste Conference

Methods for Empirical and Numerical Analysis of Tailings Flow Runout (CanBreach Project) Ghahramani, Negar; Adria, Daniel; Innis, Sally; Rana, Nahyan M.; Dina, Evelyn; Kunz, Nadja C.; Evans, Stephen G.; Take, W. Andy; McDougall, Scott

Abstract

Tailings dam failures are capable of producing mass flows in the downstream environment. These tailings flows can travel at high velocities, cover long distances, and cause widespread inundation. The ability to understand and predict the mobility and behaviour of tailings flows is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of people, infrastructure, and the environment. In this paper, we summarize the outcomes of collaborative research projects over the past four years that developed improved predictive empirical and numerical models of potential tailings dam breaches and their downstream impacts. This work included: 1) development of a new tailings flow runout classification system; 2) compilation of detailed databases of historical tailings flows; 3) development of new empirical relationships between released volume and inundation area; 4) recalibration of an existing semi-empirical model adapted to tailings flows; 5) benchmarking of several existing numerical runout models; 6) analysis of sensitivities and uncertainties in numerical runout models; and 7) demonstration of a probabilistic approach to numerical runout prediction. The results of this research can help practitioners develop better inundation maps, dam classifications, and emergency preparedness and response plans in tailings management practice.

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Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivatives 4.0 International