The SME Guide to Tailings Resources

TAILENG (TAilings and IndustriaL waste ENGineering Center)

The TAilings and IndustriaL waste ENGineering (TAILENG)  Center is a research consortium comprised of faculty from Georgia Tech, Colorado State University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Illinois.

The TAILENG mission is to advance knowledge and practice in tailings and industrial waste storage facility design. Through fundamental and applied research, they educate students and professionals while engaging with mine owners, operators, regulatory personnel, and society members to address critical mining and industrial waste issues. 

Tailings Center

Formed in 2020 by the faculty of three universities – Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, and University of Arizona – The Tailings Center provides an academic hub for tailings and mine waste education.

The Center provides resources for students, individuals in the mining industry, and regulators to inspire and educate the tailings and mine-waste workforce of tomorrow.  The Tailings Center offers both graduate certificate programs and short courses. 

The University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre

The University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre brings together geotechnical expertise as part of the Geotechnical + Geoenvironmental program in the University of Alberta.  The Geotechnical Centre is led by recognized University of Alberta faculty members.

Through extensive interaction and collaboration with other distinguished research groups, the team of faculty and student researchers provides novel research and technological developments to increase sustainable practices in a variety of industries.  

Geotechnical Centre is pioneering the way to innovative, environmentally conscientious solutions for future generations.

University of British Columbia

UBC offers a Graduate Certificate in Global Mine Waste Management for mining industry professionals who want to stay up to date with the latest developments in tailings and mine waste management. The program is delivered through a combination of condensed on-campus sessions and online learning in four core courses taken over two consecutive years.

Students who complete the certificate may ladder the coursework into masters programs offered by the Mining Engineering Department.

Future Tails

Future Tails is leading the way in global tailings management through a partnership between The University of Western Australia, Rio Tinto and BHP. Together we contribute to the thinking, research, training, education and practice in tailings management, working towards a global vision of a future with zero catastrophic tailings failures.

Future Tails will provide training programs to build talent and capability at a range of levels; technical references that summarise leading tailings analysis, design, operation and management; and research to address deficiencies in the knowledge and understanding of fundamental geotechnical engineering issues.

Queensland Tailings Group

Queensland Tailings Group (QTG)  is a collective of professionals dedicated to advancing the tailings community in Queensland and globally. Founded in 2019, QTG has grown to over 3,300 members. Their mission is to improve the mine waste industry by learning from past experiences and creating better future practices.

QTG offers a variety of webinars and events that are highly beneficial for industry partners and students interested in tailings management and the mining industry. These events provide valuable learning opportunities and insights from industry experts.

AusIMM Tailings Management

Professional Certificate in Tailings Management developed by AusIMM in conjunction with leading mining industry experts. Includes geotechnical, geochemical, governance, closure and socio-economic considerations of tailings management. Course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of principles, strategies and best practices in effective tailings management.

Lead Facilitator: David Williams, Emeritus Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, The University of Queensland and Private Consultant