TAILINGS DAM

Abstract

Tailings dams are structures used in the mining industry to store waste resulting from the process of extracting and processing ore. They aim to contain the waste, composed of mud, sand and water, preventing its dispersion in the environment and the associated negative impacts. After the disasters of Mariana and Brumadinho, which occurred in Brazil, the safety of tailings dams became a global concern. This has resulted in the revision of safety regulations and standards in many countries, with a view to preventing future accidents. This article aims to demonstrate the use of tailings dam, its advantages and its environmental impacts.