Muon Tomography for Mapping and Monitoring Tailings Storage Facilities

Abstract

Tailings storage facilities pose an increasingly significant global challenge for mining companies. Given that tailings, the by-products of mine processing plants, demand meticulous management due to the potential hazards associated with storage facility failures, continuous attention is imperative. The repercussions of such incidents can lead to profound and enduring environmental damage in downstream regions. Therefore, consistently monitoring the structural stability of these facilities is paramount to ensure the safety and sustainability of both active mining sites and legacy mines. This paper introduces an innovative approach using muon tomography to analyze the internal density structures of tailings dams. The research, conducted at the BHP Prominent Hill Mine site in South Australia, presents a pioneering method and technology for examining the internal density distribution of tailings storage facilities using muons. Muons, being a natural source of radiation capable of generating X-ray-like scans of large structures, offer a distinctive opportunity to gain insights into the inner structure of tailings storage facilities. Moreover, this technology holds the potential to serve as a foundational platform for future research in the development of early warning systems for detecting structural changes.

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