Sustainable mining in the Middle East: How the dry stacking of tailings enhances safety and water conservation

As safety and water conservation become top priorities for the global mining industry, Dry Stack Tailings (DST) solutions are gaining momentum as the preferred method for tailings management

TAKRAF Group, a global leader in mining, material handling and minerals processing solutions, offers cutting-edge DST systems that provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional tailings storage facilities. With the Middle East’s increasing focus on responsible resource management, investors and mine operators are exploring innovative approaches to increase safety, maximise water efficiency and mitigate environmental risks.

Revolutionising tailings management with Dry Stack Tailings

DST systems eliminate the need for traditional tailings dams, which pose significant safety and environmental risks. By removing most of the water from the tailings and being able to stack the material, DST solutions drastically reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failures, groundwater contamination and excessive water loss through seepage or evaporation. They also decrease the fresh water input requirements of an operation by increase the reuse of process water that would otherwise have been wasted and lost. The adoption of a DST solution is particularly critical in arid regions such as the Middle East, where water scarcity is a pressing concern.

Key advantages of DST solutions include:

• Enhanced safety: Eliminates the risk of dam failure and tailings runout, making mining operations safer for workers and surrounding communities.
• Water conservation: Reduces water consumption by enabling process water recycling, which is vital in water-stressed regions.
• Minimal environmental footprint: Requires a smaller land area compared to conventional tailings storage facilities.
• Regulatory and public approval: Meets stringent environmental regulations and improves public perception of mining operations.
• Easier closure and rehabilitation: Facilitates faster and more cost-effective mine site rehabilitation at the end of operations.

TAKRAF Group: A one-stop DST solutions provider

TAKRAF Group offers comprehensive DST solutions that cover every aspect of tailings management. From thickening and filtration to material handling and stacking and from single equipment pieces to integrated systems, the Group’s approach ensures seamless implementation of DST solutions. The Group provides:
• DELKOR thickeners: High-rate, high-density and paste thickeners for efficient tailings dewatering.
• Filtration technologies: DELKOR Horizontal Belt Filters and/or DELKOR Filter Presses designed to maximise water recovery.
• Advanced material handling solutions: Conveyors, grasshoppers, mobile trippers, mobile stacking bridges and spreaders tailored to specific site requirements.

Proven success in DST implementation

TAKRAF Group has a strong track record of successful DST implementations worldwide. One of the company’s landmark projects in Brazil set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the viability of DST as a long-term solution for responsible tailings management. Additionally, TAKRAF has conducted pilot studies and implemented equipment in large-scale DST systems in Mexico, Mauritania and other regions, helping clients achieve sustainability goals while ensuring operational efficiency.

Driving the future of sustainable mining in the Middle East

As mining operations in the Middle East face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, TAKRAF Group’s DST solutions provide a viable pathway to achieving water conservation, regulatory compliance and enhanced safety. With decades of experience and a global network of technical support, TAKRAF Group is uniquely positioned to help mine operators transition to a safer and more sustainable future.

For investors, regulators and mine operators seeking to embrace environmentally responsible tailings management, Dry Stack Tailings represent a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the region’s long-term sustainability goals.

For more information on TAKRAF Group’s DST capabilities, visit https://www.takraf.com/expertise/dry-stack-tailings-management