The WAIMM is honored to invite you to participate in the upcoming masterclass workshop Tailings Storage and Containment. Details of this year\u2019s course is given below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O<\/strong>VERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This 5-day short course provides a comprehensive, practical, and standard-aligned understanding of the design, construction, operation, surveillance, and governance of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). Designed for technical practitioners, regulators, and senior decision-makers, the workshop bridges fundamentals of geotechnical engineering with contemporary tailings management requirements, applying global best practice including GISTM, ICOLD, CDA, MAC guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants will gain integrated view of the TSF lifecycle\u2014from site selection, geotechnical investigations, hydrology, risk assessment, stability analysis, construction monitoring, and instrumentation, through to dam safety reviews, emergency<\/p>\n\n\n\n preparedness, and closure planning. The program uses real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and a collaborative group design activity to reinforce key concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n O<\/strong>BJECTIVES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Understand geotechnical principles that govern soil\/tailings behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Interprete soil and tailings testing, CPT data, seepage analyses, and slope stability results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Review of TSF designs, DBMs, OMS manuals, and introduction to closure plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Dam surveillance, instrumentation records, and identification of warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Apply emergency preparedness processes including ERP\/EPP development and desktop exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Management of TSF risks proactively across the full lifecycle<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Support safe, compliant, and sustainable tailings management in their Organizations<\/p>\n\n\n\n W<\/strong>HO SHOULD ATTEND:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Geotechnical, civil, mining, and environmental engineers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tailings engineers, RTFEs and TSF operations personnel<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mine managers and plant operators<\/p>\n\n\n\n ESG, risk, and compliance professionals<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regulators, inspectors, and dam safety authorities<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consultants and academic researchers working in mining or geotechnics<\/p>\n\n\n\n COURSE OUTLINE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1 introduces participants to the fundamentals of tailings storage and containment facilities, including an overview of MAS Geotechnical Inc., the structure of the 5-day workshop, and the current state of practice in tailings and tailings closure. Delegates will be guided through key geotechnical principles such as soil mechanics, undrained shear strength, and liquefaction. The day\u2019s activities will establish the technical foundation required for understanding TSF behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2 focuses on what a tailings dam is, typical dam construction types, conventional engineering practices, and failure mechanisms illustrated through real case studies. The morning continues with an introduction to dam risk assessment, risk-informed decision-making, and a structured overview of failure pathways. The afternoon covers TSF design considerations such as site selection, foundation soils, freeboard requirements, permeability, and groundwater regimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 3 covers the technical workflow of TSF engineering, including establishing a Design Basis Memorandum (DBM), conducting and interpreting geotechnical investigations, and selecting critical cross-sections for analysis. Slope stability and liquefaction analyses are explained using real examples. The day proceeds with practical sessions on CPT data interpretation, instrumentation principles, and construction monitoring after design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 4 is dedicated to dam surveillance principles, site inspection methods, and annual review requirements. Delegates learn how to identify warning signs, deficiencies, and performance issues. The day includes detailed explanations of dam safety reviews, safety audits, and the required content of an Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) manual. Afternoon sessions introduce Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (ERP\/EPP) and provide a hands-on desktop emergency simulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 5 presents the principles of TSF closure design, including closure planning, common closure strategies, and case histories. Governance topics follow, including oversight frameworks, the role of independent review boards, and global standards such as GISTM, MAC, ICOLD, and CDA. The day ends with discussions, feedback, and reflections on the workshop\u2019s lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REGISTRATION DETAILS<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Date:<\/strong> March 16 \u2013 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time:<\/strong> 8:00am \u2013 5:00pm GMT daily<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Elmina Beach Resort, Ghana<\/p>\n\n\n\n Course fee in USD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a2 Regular $1,550 (Before March 10th<\/sup>, 2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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