This intensive five-day course provides professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills for responsible tailings management across the entire facility life cycle. Participants will gain comprehensive understanding of tailings fundamentals, governance frameworks (including GISTM), facility design principles, water management strategies, and risk assessment methodologies. The curriculum features in-depth analysis of the Mount Polley tailings dam failure, examining the technical, governance, and management factors that contributed to this disaster.
The course culminates with closure and post-closure management strategies, emphasizing long-term stability and environmental protection. An optional field trip on the final day offers valuable hands-on experience at an operational tailings facility, allowing participants to witness best practices in action and network with industry peers.
Course Outline
Day 1 – Tailings Fundamentals & Governance
Explore the lifecycle of tailings, from generation to deposition, and delve into the critical role of governance frameworks (including GISTM) in ensuring responsible management.
Day 2 – Tailings Facility Design & Water Management
Learn the key considerations for selecting appropriate sites and technologies for tailings storage facilities, with a dedicated focus on integrated water management strategies.
Day 3 – Risk Assessment & Risk Management
Develop a strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Explore the inherent uncertainties in risk assessment and how to incorporate them into decision-making. This day will include an in-depth case study analysis of the Mount Polley tailings dam failure, examining the technical, governance, and risk management failures that contributed to the disaster.
Day 4 – Closure & Post-Closure Management
Examine the essential elements of tailings facility closure, including long-term stability, environmental protection, and post-mining land use, along with ongoing monitoring and maintenance requirements.
Day 5 – Optional Field Trip
Gain firsthand experience with a real-world tailings management operation on a guided field trip to Freeport-McMoRan’s Climax Mine in Leadville, Colorado. Transportation provided.
This course is ideal for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Professionals with technical backgrounds in engineering, geology, environmental science, and related fields
- Early-career professionals in mining and related industries
- Regulators and policymakers
- University students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Location: Colorado School of Mines Campus, Golden, Colorado
- Format: In-person lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and an optional field trip.
- CEUs: Earn Continuing Education Units.
- Registration: Limited to 30 attendees.
