BGC Engineering

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Tailings Dams & Tailings Impoundments

Resilient, cost-efficient tailings solutions for the full mining lifecycle

BGC Engineering delivers specialized geoscience-based engineering services for tailings impoundments that span the complete mining lifecycle, from early planning through long-term closure and reclamation. Our solutions are tailored to site-specific geology, climate conditions, and tailings technologies to provide safe, economical, and performance-adaptive infrastructure.

We support our clients with comprehensive services including site selection and characterization, tailings dam design, construction documentation, monitoring systems, operations support, and closure planning. All designs align with evolving regulatory frameworks and international standards such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

Complete tailings engineering services

BGC offers a full range of engineering, environmental, and risk management solutions for tailings dams and impoundments. Our services include:

Site Selection & Technical Studies

  • Geological and geotechnical site characterization
  • Hydrogeological and geochemical assessments
  • Borrow source evaluations and geohazard risk analysis
  • Climate and seismicity studies, including climate change impact modeling
  • Alternatives assessments and site comparison studies

Tailings Dam Design for All Mining Stages

We deliver optimized designs for every phase of the mine lifecycle:

  • Conceptual, prefeasibility, feasibility, capital, and closure designs
  • Designs for conventional slurry, thickened, and filtered (dry stack) tailings
  • Economic optimization using locally available borrow materials
  • Adaptations for varied climatic and seismic conditions, including high-altitude, permafrost, tropical, and arid zones
  • Infrastructure for stormwater management and seepage control, with consideration for long-term climate projections

Engineer of Record (EOR) Responsibilities

  • Issued-for-construction drawings, specifications, and technical records
  • QA/QC programs and construction performance monitoring
  • Contractor bid package preparation and technical evaluations

Operational Support and Monitoring Systems

  • Water balance modeling and dam breach studies
  • Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) manual development
  • Real-time instrumentation systems, remote sensing, and performance dashboards
  • Tailings deposition planning and facility monitoring strategies
  • Routine inspections and performance assessments

Risk Assessment & Regulatory Engagement

  • Comprehensive tailings risk assessments and failure mode analysis
  • Probabilistic modeling and consequence classification
  • Technical support for environmental permitting and compliance documentation
  • Stakeholder and regulator engagement, including Indigenous consultation

Tailings Related Projects

Anderson Tailings Impoundment Area
Red Chris Mine
Detour Lake Mine
Porcupine Gold Mines, No. 6 Tailings Management Area
Flin Flon Tailings Impoundment System
Pueblo Viejo Mine

Key Contacts

Anne-Marie Dagenais

Anne-Marie Dagenais

Principal Tailings and Mine Waste Engineer

Chris McKane

Chris McKane

Principal Geological/Geotechnical Engineer

Ed Carey

Ed Carey

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Andre Zerwer

Andre Zerwer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Simon Dickinson

Simon Dickinson

Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Chief Technical Officer

Daryl Dufault

Daryl Dufault

Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Mining Team Lead

Brian Nachtigal

Brian Nachtigal

Principal Geotechnical/Geological Engineer

Angela Küpper

Angela Küpper

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Bill Burton

Bill Burton

Principal Geotechnical/Geological Engineer, Horizon 3 R&D Lead

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