Geological Stress Detection Systems for Tailings Dams Monitoring

Tailings Dams are massive structures used all over for the bulk storage of mineral processing wastes. These earthen structures can measure tens of kilometers in length and width and be hundreds of meters tall. In terms of total volume, tailings dams are the most significant manmade structures in existence. However, the tailings dam failure rate has doubled over the last 20 years. Failures of tailings dams are the worst-case scenario for any mineral extraction operation. Events causing loss of life, environmental fines reaching billions of dollars, and the loss of facility infrastructure and production are a significant concern.

HAWK Fiber Optics, a leading provider of fiber optic tailings dam monitoring systems, has developed a solution to prevent tailings dam failure. HAWK's Praetorian Geological Stress Detection System utilizes fiber optic sensing technology for the real-time monitoring of field strain within earthen structures. This revolutionary technology uses fiber optic cables inserted into the structure through drilled boreholes. These cables monitor field strain and deflection caused by dam loading and report the borehole position and depth where the strain or deflection occurs within the retaining wall structure. Sensitivities achievable with the Praetorian Geological Stress Detection System mean that potential issues with ground shift can be detected and intercepted well before visual symptoms of structural problems appear.