Work out tailings volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Tailings tonnage is ore processed less the concentrate mass pulled, which for base metals is 95% or more of the feed. Dividing by the deposited dry density gives storage volume: 1.2-1.5 t/m3 for conventional slurry deposition and higher for thickened or filtered tailings, which is why dewatering reduces footprint substantially.
Tailings volume
Tailings = ore x (1 - concentrate yield); volume = tailings / deposited dry density
Tailings storage facilities are high-consequence structures. Design, construction and closure must follow recognised dam safety standards under a qualified engineer of record.
Thickened, paste and filtered tailings achieve higher densities, reducing storage volume by 20-40% and greatly reducing the stored water that drives dam failure risk.
Geotechnical stability, water balance, seepage control, closure landform and, increasingly, adherence to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. Volume is only the starting point.