A failure modes and effects analysis framework for assessing geotechnical risks of tailings dam closure

Abstract

Tailings dams remain on site following mine closures and must be designed and reclaimed to meet long‐term goals, which may include walk‐away closure or long‐term care and maintenance. The underperformance of these structures can result in significant risks to public and environmental safety, as well as impacts on the future land use and economic activities near the structure. In Alberta, Canada, the expectation is for a tailings dam to be reclaimed and closed so that it can un-dergo deregistration. To aid in assessing the risks of underperformance during and after closure, a Generalized Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (G‐FMEA) framework was developed to assess the long‐term geotechnical risks for tailings dams in Alberta, with the goal of assessing the potential success of a tailings dam closure strategy. The G‐FMEA is part of an initiative to enhance closure evaluations in Alberta in a collaborative effort between industry, the regulator, and academia. The G‐FMEA incorporates the element of time to account for the evolution of the system, which should be applied at the planning stage and updated continually throughout the life of the facility. This paper presents the developed G‐FMEA framework for tailings dams in Alberta, including the developed risk matrix framework.