Automated Monitoring of Tailings Dams

Challenge

The growth of operations at this northern Canada plant has required expansion of its tailings storage facilities. The TSF dams must be monitored to confirm that their structural integrity is not compromised.

When its operations were smaller, the plant could rely on manual monitoring, even in the harsh winters. However, as the storage facilities expanded and more monitoring locations were added, it became difficult or impossible to visit all of them during the winter.

At the same time, the need for automated, continuous monitoring was becoming critical to safeguard against potential failures.

Automated Monitoring of Tailings Dam

“The data we’re getting is excellent. And it’s the availability of that data that is important. Remote access to the data is an improvement on having to send someone on site to take measurements.” - Guillaume De Tonnancourt, Sales Manager, GEO-Instruments Canada (formerly GKM Consultants)

Solution

GEO-Instruments Canada suggested a wireless data acquisition system that could be installed quickly and expanded easily.

The automated system would consist of compact, battery-powered, wireless data loggers capable of sending measurements over long distances to receiving gateways.

The gateways would forward the data to the plant's network. The plant's consultants were also provided access to the data via the internet.

Implementation

Beginning in 2017, GEO installed Worldsensing LoRa loggers to monitor the existing instruments, which included VW piezometers, VW borehole settlement systems, and in-place inclinometers.

The loggers were installed close to the sensor locations, minimizing cable runs. No external power supplies were needed, since batteries would provide 5+ years of operation.

Additional instruments and loggers were installed in following years. By the end of 2022, the data acquisition system included 250 instruments, 100 loggers, and three gateways.

Results

  • The wireless data acquisition reliably delivers measurements from all monitoring locations, even in winter.
  • Continuous monitoring provides confidence in the integrity of the dams. It also captures the effects of any short-term events.
  • The plant was able to improve its operating efficiency by maximizing the usage of pond footprints.
  • The automated system has eliminated most manual monitoring, enhancing the safety of technicians and reducing costs.