Advances in Real-Time Monitoring for Tailings Facilities: AI, IoT, Drones & Satellite Technology

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 analytics, IoT instrumentation, drone surveillance, and satellite-based deformation tracking. Together, these tools provide the continuous visibility required to detect anomalies early and strengthen decision-making.

Below are the key innovations shaping the future of TSF monitoring in 2025 and beyond.

1. IoT Instrumentation: Real-Time Data From the Ground Up

IoT-enabled sensors have transformed traditional TSF instrumentation.Instead of manual readings, engineers can now receive:

• Live pore pressure measurements

• Real-time deformation and settlement trends

• Continuous seepage and flow readings

• Automatic alerts when thresholds are exceeded

Smart piezometers, inclinometers, and vibrating wire sensors transmit data wirelessly, allowing operators and engineers to track conditions from anywhere, even during heavy rainfall or after seismic events.

This is the foundation of a modern early-warning system.

2. Artificial Intelligence & Predictive Analytics

AI is changing the way TSF data is interpreted.Instead of reviewing data point by point, AI identifies trends that human eyes may miss, such as:

• Developing patterns of rising pore pressure

• Very small movements that indicate early instability

• Changes in drainage behaviour after storms

• Machine-learning-based predictions of potential failure paths

AI strengthens TSF governance by shifting the system from reactive monitoring to predictive safety intelligence.

3. Drone-Based Monitoring & Aerial Inspections

Drones provide powerful visual insights that ground teams cannot easily capture.

Using drones, engineers can conduct:

• High-resolution mapping

• Thermal imaging

• Monitoring of pond size and beach geometry

• Crack detection

• Rapid inspections after extreme weather

Drones reduce inspection time, increase safety, and provide a consistent visual record that supports TSF auditing and reporting.

4. Satellite Monitoring (InSAR): Seeing What the Eye Cannot See

Satellite-based monitoring technology (InSAR) detects millimetre-level ground movement over very large areas.

This allows engineers to identify:

• Settlement

• Horizontal displacement

• Slope movement

• Deformation trends not visible during daily inspections

Because InSAR data captures changes over time, it is one of the strongest tools for verifying long-term TSF stability.

Why This Matters for the Mining Industry

Modern TSF monitoring requires integration, combining instrumentation, drones, satellites, and AI into one cohesive system.

This multi-layer visibility:

• Strengthens safety

• Enhances compliance (GISTM, environmental standards)

• Reduces operational risk

• Speeds up emergency response

• Builds confidence with regulators and host communities

The mines that invest in real-time monitoring now are the ones best positioned for safe, sustainable operations in the coming decade.

African Engineering Services: Delivering the Next Generation of TSF Monitoring

At African Engineering Services (AES), we support mining clients with advanced monitoring solutions that combine:

• Smart IoT instrumentation

• Real-time data dashboards

• AI-supported interpretation

• Drone-based inspections

• Satellite deformation tracking

• Continuous geotechnical review and reporting

We help operators move from traditional monitoring to a modern, integrated system that improves decision-making and strengthens TSF resilience across West Africa.