Tailings deposits with waste dams

The exploitation of open pit mines generates a large quantity of waste material, which is usually disposed of in dumps located close to the pit. This material, which is basically granular and has a low fines content, in general presents a high permeability. The nearness of appropriate sites for depositing tailings, have made the use of waste material in the construction of deposit dams increasingly convenient. In the last years, several large tailings deposits have been designed in Chile (two in operation for a long time and one just beginning) where waste has been used as construction material for the tailings contention walls. This paper presents the main characteristics of dams projected with waste, as far as their geometry, grain size distribution, compaction, draining, seepage controls, constructive aspects and interaction with the mine's operation, going deeply into the most relevant aspects considered in their design.