The evaluation of static and cyclic liquefaction of mine tailings and soils is a key focus for tailings dam engineers, in response to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
The pressure on International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) member mining companies to comply with the GISTM is growing, with the first deadline approaching in August 2023. By this time, all tailings storage facilities (TSFs) classified as having 'Extreme' or 'Very high' potential consequences will need to conform with the standard. In just two years after that date, all other sites will also need to demonstrate conformance. The issue of liquefaction of mine tailings is among the key areas of concern in the industry, as it still presents itself as an important risk factors for TSF failure.
Static liquefaction is the sudden loss of strength when loose soils - typically granular material such as sand or silly sand - is loaded and cannot drain. Strength loss due to undrained failure can also be associated with fine-grained materials of low hydraulic conductivity such as clays or plastic silts.
