Management method for closed tailings pond and flood control safety evaluation

Abstract

To address the concerns regarding a disused tailings pond, a closure engineering design and dam flood control safety evaluation were conducted. The proposed reservoir closure treatment methods, including adding flood drainage system (spillway), plugging the existing overflow tower and drainage pipe, were developed in combination with the construction conditions of the reservoir area. Then, hydrological calculations and flood routing for the tailings pond were performed, and the flood control safety of the tailings pond was evaluated. The results of the study indicate that after the designed closed pond treatment method for the tailings pond is adopted, a 1000-year design flood would result in a flood elevation of 0.7 m, a minimum safety super-elevation of 2.0 m, and a minimum dry beach of approximately 130 m. These findings are in compliance with the relevant regulations and requirements of the specifications, and thus ensure the flood control safety of the tailings pond.