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As mining operations evolve, tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are no longer viewed as static structures. They are increasingly becoming smart, connected systems that integrate data, technology, and engineering judgement to improve safety, transparency, and performance. The future of tailings management lies in smart TSFs facilities that continuously learn, adapt, and respond to changing conditions.   What Defines a Smart Tailings Facility? A smart TSF combines engineering d

In today’s mining landscape, trust is no longer built solely on production output or compliance reports. Communities, regulators, investors, and host governments increasingly expect visibility, accountability, and transparency, especially when it comes to tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Technology is now playing a central role in helping mining companies move from reactive disclosure  to proactive transparency .   Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever Tailings facilitie

As tailings governance standards continue to tighten globally, Independent Review Boards (IRBs) have become a critical pillar of safe and responsible Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) management. Their role is clear: provide objective oversight, challenge assumptions, and ensure that TSFs are designed, operated, and monitored in line with best international practice. However, the effectiveness of an IRB today depends heavily on technology. Without accurate, timely, and transpar

The global mining industry is undergoing a major shift in how tailings are managed. Among the most significant developments is the growing adoption of Dry Stack Tailings (DST), a method that prioritizes safety, water efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As regulatory pressure increases and expectations around ESG performance rise, dry stacking is no longer seen as an experimental option. Instead, it is becoming a strategic choice for mines seeking to reduce risk and

Mining companies worldwide are under growing pressure to demonstrate responsibility, safety, and environmental stewardship. One of the strongest signals of trust is transparency, especially when it comes to Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs), which remain some of the highest-risk structures in the mining sector. Globally, regulators, investors, and communities are increasingly demanding open access to tailings data. This shift is not just about compliance; it’s about building

The mining industry is entering a new era. An era where real-time data, simulation, and automation are transforming how tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are designed, monitored, and managed. At the center of this transformation is a powerful tool: the Digital Twin. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical TSF, continuously updated with real operational data. It allows engineers, operators, and decision-makers to “see the facility before touching it,” test scenarios

As the mining industry evolves, the shift from manual inspection to real-time, data-driven monitoring has become one of the most important advancements in tailings facility (TSF) safety. With increasing regulatory expectations, rising ESG commitments, and the need for stronger risk prevention, modern mines are embracing technologies that make monitoring faster, smarter, and more predictive. Today, the most progressive TSF operations rely on four major technologies: AI analyti

As we enter the final month of 2025, African Engineering Services (AES) extends warm wishes to all our clients, partners, and collaborators across West Africa. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and strengthened relationships and we are grateful for every project you trusted us with. December is more than the end of a year. It is a moment to reflect, reset, and prepare for bigger achievements ahead. At African Engineering Services, our vision for 2026 is simple: De

How Technology Is Transforming TSF Risk Management: From Sensors to AI   Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) have traditionally relied on manual inspections, periodic surveys, and basic instrumentation to monitor performance. But with rising safety expectations, climate pressures, and the increasing complexity of mining operations, this approach is no longer enough. Today, technology is reshaping how engineers design, monitor, and manage TSFs, making risk management faster, sm

As mining operations expand and environmental expectations rise, Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) face more scrutiny than ever before. Regulators demand higher standards, communities expect transparency, and investors now link financing to ESG performance. The result? A global shift toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable tailings management. Here are the key trends shaping the future of TSF engineering between now and 2030 and why forward-thinking mines in Africa are a

Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) are dynamic structures, built in stages and exposed to constant changes in load, moisture, and foundation behaviour. For this reason, quality control (QC) and construction monitoring are not optional, they are the backbone of safe tailings management. A well-designed TSF can still fail if construction controls are weak. Conversely, a facility with strong monitoring and QC can outperform expectations, even under challenging conditions. This i

Modern tailings storage facilities (TSFs) operate in environments where ground conditions are variable, water pressures shift, and construction stages evolve over time. In such dynamic settings, relying solely on pre-construction assumptions is not enough. This is where the Observational Method becomes one of the most powerful tools in tailings dam engineering, enabling engineers to adapt, respond, and refine designs based on actual field behaviour rather than theoretical pre

In the mining and infrastructure sectors, tailings facility safety is no longer judged only by construction quality or operational control, it is now deeply tied to how well a structure can perform during seismic events. Even in regions considered low to moderate seismic zones, the effects of vibration, ground shaking, and liquefaction can pose serious risks to tailings dams, their foundations, and the surrounding environment. Building seismic resilience begins long before co

As global climate patterns shift, the design and performance expectations for dams and tailings facilities are being redefined. What once were considered “safe design standards” are now being tested by unprecedented rainfall, prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and changing hydrological cycles. For engineers, the challenge is no longer just building for strength, it is building for resilience.   1. Understanding the New Climate Reality Across Africa and the world, climat

In the mining industry, the safe management of tailings is one of the most critical aspects of environmental and operational performance. The design of a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) determines not only its structural integrity, but also its long-term stability, environmental footprint, and overall risk profile. Choosing the right TSF design approach Upstream, Downstream, or Centreline requires balancing geotechnical, hydrological, environmental, and operational factors un

Across the world, the growing impact of natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and coastal erosion is reshaping the way we think about infrastructure. In regions where weather extremes and changing soil conditions threaten stability, engineers face one fundamental question: How can we design structures that not only stand strong, but adapt and endure? The answer begins beneath the surface with geotechnical data.   Resilience Begins with Understanding the Gro

The foundation of every great structure begins with understanding the ground beneath it. But as infrastructure demands increase and projects become more complex, traditional soil investigation methods are evolving rapidly. Today, digital technology and data-driven design are reshaping the way geotechnical engineers collect, interpret, and apply field data transforming insights from the ground into smarter, safer, and more efficient infrastructure solutions.   The Shift Toward

In geotechnical engineering, not every site starts with ideal soil conditions.Soft, compressible, or loose soils can compromise the stability and performance of structures; but with the right data and design approach, even weak ground can be made strong. That is where the Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure (CPTU) plays a critical role. By providing high-resolution subsurface data, CPTU testing helps engineers plan and verify ground improvement techniques with confidence

Across many parts of the world, especially in coastal and low-lying regions, engineers face a persistent challenge: building safely on soft clay soils.These soils are often compressible, weak, and saturated, which makes them prone to excessive settlement and instability. In such conditions, the Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure measurement (CPTU) is one of the most valuable tools available for understanding ground behavior and designing reliable foundations.   Why Soft

The reliability of any foundation system depends on how well we understand the behavior of the soil it rests on. In modern geotechnical engineering, the Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure (CPTU) has become one of the most effective tools for designing deep foundations and evaluating soil stability, especially in regions prone to soft soils or seismic risks. By providing continuous, high-resolution subsurface data, CPTU testing allows engineers to go beyond assumptions a