Filter design for tailings dams

Proper filter design is critical for satisfactory embankment dam performance, a statement no less true for tailings dams than for water-retaining structures. In many cases, where tailings dams are designed to leak, filter design is particularly critical. A number of tailings dam failure case histories, such as the recent Omai failure in Guyana, can be attributed to failure of filters. This paper presents a review of various filter design fundamentals and proposed design criteria, with particular emphasis on segregation and internal stability of widely graded filters. These are important issues for tailings dams, where widely graded mine waste rock, either pit-run or processed, is frequently used for filter zones, and are often highly susceptible to segregation and internal instability. A process for filter design for tailings dams is provided, which includes recommendations to deal with these and other less well known issues.