Tailings Dam Risk Analysis

At iPresas, we offer specialised consultancy services primarily focused on applying advanced risk analysis methodologies for the design, assessment, and safety management of tailings dams, in line with the principles of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

What we offer

Análisis de riesgos aplicado a la gestión de seguridad de presas

PFMA/SQRA – At the "Screening level"

We support the identification, understanding, and management of tailings dam risk through collaborative workshops that combine technical analysis, operational experience, and international best practices.

Gestión de riesgos de desastres en proyectos de infraestructuras

Detailed SQRA / QRA

We conduct advanced risk assessments (SQRA/QRA), integrating expert knowledge to provide a more detailed quantification of risk.

Análisis estructural y modelización numérica de presas

Comprehensive risk management

We support operators in assessing tailings dam risk, integrating all stages of the analysis into a continuous and structured process aligned with the GISTM.

Análisis de riesgos de presas de relave

Breach Analysis and Consequence Estimation

We analyse tailings dam failure scenarios, considering the non-Newtonian behaviour of the fluid and estimating the associated potential consequences.

PFMA/SQRA – At the screening level

At iPresas, we apply a structured methodology for the identification and analysis of Potential Failure Modes (PFMA), designed to support dam owners and operators in making informed risk-based decisions. Through a collaborative workshop, the available information is reviewed, a field inspection is carried out, and PFMs are identified and assessed using a semi-quantitative process (SQRA) that enables the prioritisation and definition of risk-reduction measures or knowledge-improvement actions.

This approach facilitates risk communication, promotes continuous improvement in safety management, and ensures alignment with the ALARP principle and international best practices.

Detailed SQRA / QRA

We carry out risk analyses at a higher level of detail (SQRA/QRA), aimed at thoroughly reviewing the predominant failure modes or “risk drivers” and incorporating the expertise of several specialists (SMEs).

At this stage, PFMs are broken down into nodes, which allows probabilities to be estimated in greater detail and the associated uncertainty ranges to be captured. This approach provides a more robust assessment, facilitates the prioritisation of risk-reduction or knowledge-improvement measures, and ensures alignment with the principles of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

Continuous RA follow-up

We offer comprehensive risk management services that combine screening-level and more detailed analyses within a structured work plan. This approach enables a progressive process for identifying, assessing, and monitoring the risks associated with the tailings dam, ensuring their continuous review over time. The service includes annual reviews to incorporate potential changes in the dam’s design, operation, or behaviour, ensuring that the infrastructure’s risk analysis remains up to date in accordance with the GISTM requirements.

Breach Analysis and Consequence Estimation

We carry out tailings dam breach studies (DBA) tailored to the specific characteristics of this type of structure, where the non-Newtonian behaviour of the materials governs the flow propagation and the features of the outflow. These studies make it possible to estimate water depths, velocities, and potentially affected areas with greater realism, taking into account the specific rheology of the tailings.

In addition, we assess the potential consequences in the event of failure, both in terms of Potential Loss of Life (PLL) and economic impacts, integrating these results into the overall risk analysis.