Effect of geotechnical properties of tailings dam facilities

Abstract

The stability of tailing s storage facilities is a great concern in the mining environment. Tailing s storage failure releases toxic c hemicals into the environment, causing habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, and pollution The geotechnical properties of tailings such as shear strength parameters ( c ohesion and friction angle) angle), pore water pressure, permeability , moisture content, etc ar e reported to have a massive influence on the stability of tailing s storage facilities ( TSF). The main objective of this study is to determine the correlation between the geotechnical properties of tailings and the stability of TSFs by examining how each g eotechnical property affects TSF stability . The study was conducted through an experimental analysis of various geotechnical properties , including shear strength, m oisture content, p ore water pressure, and permeability . Limit equilibrium analysis was emplo yed to quantify the results from experimental analysis of geotechnical properties. Rock S cience S lide 2 software was u sed to determine the FoS of tailings materials using the limit equilibrium methods of analysis (Bishop simplified, Janbu, and Spencer) The study found that shear strength is the most significant geotechnical parameter influencing the stability of TSF . The study found that shear strength parameters cohesion, friction angle, and effective stress) are directly proportional to shear strength . A n increase in shear strength increases the FoS of the TSF slope and vice versa . This is because shear strength acts as a resisting force against th e driving forces (shear stress), which influences the factor of the TSF slope . Moreover, s hear strength is si gnificantly affected by various water parameters, including pore water pressure, moisture content and permeability. The study shows that a higher content of water parameters , such as pore water pressure, moisture content, and tailings’ permeability, signi ficantly reduces tailings' stability and, by extension, the stability of the TSF This study emphasises that effective management of water parameters is crucial for maintaining the shear strength of tailings material . Water parameters such as moisture cont ent, unit weight of tailings, pore water pressure, and permeability should always be minimised and kept below their maximum allowable limits. Increases in these parameters directly reduce shear strength and, consequently, compromise TSF stability . Future s tudies should explore remote methods for monitoring the geotechnical properties of tailings. This could involve installing smart sensors around v | P a g e TSF TSF to continuously assess these properties. Additionally, new technological solutions to continuously assess these properties. Additionally, new technological solutions are needed to monitor andare needed to monitor and manage water levels in manage water levels in TSFTSF during rainy seasons, as well during rainy seasons, as well as to efficiently reduce water levels when slurry is continuously deposited into the TSF.as to efficiently reduce water levels when slurry is continuously deposited into the TSF.