Assessment of failure modes of the Ak-Tyuz tailing ponds in Kyrgyzstan in preparation of remediation measures

Abstract

The results of an appraisal of the state of the Ak-Tyuz tailing ponds are summarized in the paper. The tailing site is located in the watershed of the Chu River that is prone to earthquakes, landslides and mudflows. The Chu River has the potential to carry contamination from the tailings site across the border to Kazakhstan. The aim of the paper is to propose specific remediation measures in order to stabilize the 4 tailings impoundments present at the site thus preventing a environmental impact in the watershed in case of a natural disaster.