The Challenges, Innovations, and Future of Tailings Engineering – Ep 086

In this episode, we talk with Sam Rumel, P.E., P.G., a geotechnical engineer at AECOM, about tailings engineering. We explore the intricacies of this field and shed light on its challenges, innovative approaches, and future trends. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Sam: Can you elaborate on a challenging tailings engineering project you worked on and how your knowledge played a vital role in its success? What are the recurring challenges in tailings engineering, and how do you develop innovative solutions to address them? How can we mitigate risk in tailings engineering with limited data? How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in tailings engineering to tackle complex projects more effectively? What are the key lessons you learned from unforeseen challenges in engineering projects, and how do they inform your approach to future projects? How do you collaborate effectively with architects, structural engineers, and stakeholders to ensure a seamless project completion? How do you factor climate change into tailings engineering designs to promote sustainability? What cornerstones contribute to the successful execution of AECOM's global projects, especially in diverse regions? What advice would you give to young professionals interested in a career in tailings management? What emerging trends and advances in geotechnical engineering do you believe will have a significant impact on the industry, and how are you preparing to adapt to these changes? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Challenges, Innovations, and Future of Tailings Engineering: Tailings engineering focuses on the safety of tailing storage facilities (TSFs) in mining. These TSFs, like dams, contain coarser tailings as embankments while retaining finer materials. Many TSFs are now undergoing assessment and repair to meet global safety standards. Geotechnical experts use innovative techniques like Sonic cone penetration testing (CPT) and monitoring tools to ensure safety. Third-party reviewers confirm compliance with industry standards. The aim is to ensure the safety of TSFs, even with limited historical data, to protect communities and the environment. In geotechnical engineering, it's vital to remember that characterizing massive sites like tailings facilities with small-scale tools poses challenges. Clients' support in providing resources for investigation is key. These facilities are vast, spanning miles, and extrapolating data from limited instrumentation involves inherent uncertainty. When dealing with events like a 10,000-year earthquake, it becomes a probability game, considering seismology data, fault analysis, and ground motion studies applied to the facility's scaled parameters. Recognizing the significant scale difference between the tools and the site is crucial. Drawing conclusions in geotechnical engineering involves a conservative approach, always factoring in a level of caution. Unlike structural engineers who have precise material properties like steel beams and shear moduli, geotechnical engineers lack such precise data, making their work inherently challenging. Tailings engineering is evolving rapidly, thanks to researchers like Scott Olson, who explore residual strengths and unique tailings characteristics. Recent findings challenge previous assumptions, such as discovering undrained strength in sandy tailings layers. Staying updated with this evolving field is crucial for professionals, facilitated by conferences like Tailings and Mine Waste. In tailings engineering, facilities should be seen as long-term construction projects with continuous deposition and evolving conditions. Unlike traditional foundations,