樱花影视

Title of talk:
In-situ Geocharacterization of Mine Tailings

Abstract: 
An expansion of safe, sustainable mining is a required pre-curser to our planet's energy transition. More mining means more mine waste, the impoundments of which remain one of the mining industry's highest risk areas. Mine tailings are the leftover mineral material from mining processes, often stored in large facilities including dams and ponds. These soil-like materials are typically loose, fine-grained, and saturated with water, making them prone to stability issues like liquefaction—a sudden loss of strength that can lead to catastrophic failures, such as dam collapses. Ensuring the stability of these structures is critical to prevent environmental disasters and protect nearby communities.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is a key tool used by geotechnical engineers to study the properties of mine tailings. CPT involves pushing a cone-shaped device into the ground while measuring resistance, pore pressures, and other parameters. This provides a detailed, real-time profile of the subsurface layers without requiring time consuming drilling, sampling, and laboratory work.

Variants like Seismic CPT (SCPTu) and Resistivity CPT (SRCPTu) add additional measurements, such as shear wave velocity and saturation levels, which help engineers understand factors like soil stiffness, strength, drainage conditions, and liquefaction potential. These tests reduce geotechnical uncertainty and allow the design and construction of safer tailings storage facilities by identifying weak zones, assessing risks, and monitoring changes over time. In summary, CPT and its advanced variations are essential for understanding mine tailings' behavior, reducing the risk of failure, and ensuring sustainable and safe mining operations.

Bio: 
Jamie Sharp is a professional engineer and the CEO of the ConeTec Group, a global leader in geocharaterization services. With over 28 years of experience in site characterization and innovative solutions, Jamie has overseen thousands of projects worldwide, specializing in advanced in-situ testing techniques like Cone Penetration Testing (CPT). His expertise extends to challenging environments, including mine tailings and waste storage facilities, where safety and precision are critical. A advocate for high quality, value added, and efficient geocharacterization, Jamie brings practical insights and leadership to the forefront of geotechnical innovation.