Global Tailings Dam Incidents: Database, Characteristic and Comparison

Key Points

• Tailings dam incidents are critical events that can cause environmental damage and loss of life, and their characteristics vary greatly across regions.
• The analysis reviews 300 unique incidents over the past two decades, identifying key patterns in failures and their impacts on communities.
• Using a comprehensive database, this study categorizes and compares incidents based on their characteristics and repercussions.
• The findings highlight safety vulnerabilities, suggesting the need for improved regulations and monitoring, with implications for environmental protection.