taillering

Taillering is a term used in mining and mineral processing to describe the management of tailings, the residual materials left after ore has been processed. Tailings consist of finely ground rock, water, and processing chemicals, and taillering focuses on containment, treatment, and disposal to minimize environmental and safety risks and to allow potential water recovery.

Key components include tailings storage facilities (TSFs) such as dams or dry-stacking sites; water management systems for decant and return water; and dewatering steps like thickening, filtration, or drying. Disposal methods range from conventional dams to paste tailings and dry stacking, chosen according to site conditions, climate, and technology. Long-term monitoring and reclamation are integral.

Safety and environmental concerns are central. Dam failures, seepage, sediment release, and acid mine drainage can have severe impacts on ecosystems and communities. Regulations require risk assessments, independent design reviews, safe operation, and contingency planning. Practices increasingly emphasize dry stacking and paste tailings to reduce water content and improve stability, as well as better mine-water management.

Notable incidents such as the 2015 Mariana disaster and the 2019 Brumadinho collapse have underscored the need for robust design, monitoring, emergency response, and closure planning. Terminology varies by language, but taillering as a concept foregrounds responsible stewardship of mining by-products.

Related topics include tailings, mining waste, tailings dams, and mine water management.