Tailings are the fine particle residues which arise from the processing of various materials in industry. By far the majority are produced by the processing of minerals to recover the economically viable material. Tailings impoundments may impact the environment through leaching of acid and heavy metals into water supplies and through dust blowing off them. They are often eyesores. When they break, the impacts are disastrous for humans and the natural environment.

Accident Database

Please click here to visit a database on tailings dam failures

Links

Tailings.info is a site designed to address tailings disposal today. Modern technologies are discussed with case studies, examples of tailings failures, photos of tailings failures as well as worldwide guidance documentation. Contributions to the site are made from mining companies and employees of the mining industry making this site an excellent industrial and public information site.

The Minerals Resources Forum (MRF) is an Internet framework for international co-ordination on the theme of minerals, metals and sustainable development, bringing together governments, intergovernmental entities, resource companies, and other concerned organisations and civil society.