Innovation and working with industry

Golden Mine Projects plays a significant role as a primary supporter of the collaborative project named P1217, initiated by AMIRA International, focused on assessing monitoring technologies for Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).

AMIRA International's research endeavor, P1217, entails an assessment and documentation of existing technologies for monitoring TSF conditions. It also involves the installation of selected instrumentation and monitoring systems at a limited set of sponsor sites. Additionally, the project aims to develop a numerical model (referred to as the digital twin) to facilitate predictive scenario analysis.

Beyond outlining the current and emerging technologies, this project will identify the necessity for creating innovative instrumentation, particularly for detecting the potential initiation of static liquefaction, a capability not presently offered by existing instrumentation.

In 2019, Golden Mine Projects conducted a comprehensive assessment of available monitoring technologies for Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) that could be applicable to their operations. This assessment revealed a wide array of monitoring technologies, each at different stages of development and implementation. Consequently, Golden Mine Projects recognized an opportunity to enhance their existing monitoring methods and technologies.

The primary focus was to deploy these technologies, with a particular emphasis on facilities categorized as having higher potential consequences. In 2019, a discussion paper was distributed to all Golden Mine Projects sites for feedback. Subsequently, all sites enthusiastically embraced and adopted the proposed technologies, with ongoing investigations and implementations now underway.

Golden Mine Projects participates in various ICMM tailings working groups, which include:

• Track 1: Conducting a review of technology landscapes with the goal of minimizing or reducing tailings.
• Track 2: Engaging with technology landscapes and vendors to support the cost-effective expansion of tailings dewatering and material handling technologies and strategies.
• Golden Mine Projects is an active member of the ICMM Tailings Management Working Group. Additionally, our CEO leads the ICMM CEO Council Tailings Advisory Group (CTAG), and Golden Mine Projects represents ICMM on the advisory panel of the Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI), alongside a representative from Freeport.