Using Geomembrane Liners to Reduce Seepage through the Base of Tailings Ponds—A Review and a Framework for Design Guidelines

Geomembranes are used worldwide as basin liners in tailings ponds to decrease the permeability of foundation and prevent further transportation harmful contaminants contaminated water. However, leakage into environment damage geomembrane have been reported. This paper reviews available literature recommendations on structures for use a basal liner ponds, presents framework achieve early involvement an integrated approach structure design. Cohesive planning guidelines or legislative directions such currently lacking many countries, which often means that groundwater protection landfill applied when designing storage facilities (TSF). Basin is generally unique each mine but, based literature, majority cases has single-composite liner. The type system depends mainly material be top structure, local hydraulic pressure gradient, climate conditions. More practical information scientific knowledge base various needed. A sustainable could risk-based design, where life cycle taken consideration. To this end, proposes geomembrane-lined pond assessed stakeholder. Emphasis this, enough, can ensure critical factors considered from outset design mines reduces environmental footprint mining industry. holistic project management integration recommended improve construction quality during entire pond. In long term, dry stacking other alternative methods should encouraged, despite higher costs operators.