TSF’s come in different types depending on the conditions within the mine. Most common in Australia are large- flat paddock style-facilities. When filled, additional facilities need to be built. Other types are upstream or downstream, which are dynamic systems with detailed engineering requirements.

Mine tailings can be potentially dangerous due to their acidity potential and volume of  material, bound by engineered earth walls. These walls can develop weaknesses due to material movement or geotechnical parameters such as change in load or stress, and could lead to environmental disasters. If a tailings storage facility is vulnerable to breaches or leaks, it will result in a major spillage of hazardous materials that would be devastating to nearby ecosystems and water systems. It is common for TSF’s to have contaminant seepage at their base over time.

Unpollute can assess TSFs for mineral wealth by carrying out waste characterization, and potentially reducing the volume in the TSF by reprocessing or by applying innovative in-house R&D to reduce water content or improve compaction.