
Multi-Sensor Tailings Monitoring

SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING
read more »- Large area information using satellite radar observations and ground back scatterer analysis
- No installations at AOI surface necessary, depending on surface structure (e.g. vegetation, earth works) artificial back scatterers might be necessary
- One measurement result each 6 days (frequency depending on satellite type)
- Good quality free of charge data from EU Sentinel 1 satellite available, high quality data available for purchase (e.g. TerraSAR-X) offering higher ground resolution
- Satellite image stack necessary to start processing (~15 scenes)
- LOS (line-of-sight) movement detection – no direct vertical movement is measured
- Centimetre level accuracy

GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING
read more »Stability monitoring of tailing structures requires in general: monitoring of the ground surface for changes, robust monitoring of changes below the surface (e.g. along boreholes), monitoring of seismic signals from the environment. For this various sensor and logging system are available:
- Pointwise measurements with installation at points of interest
- Local power supply for each station necessary, autarkic low-power systems available
- Automatic measurement, remote maintenance §Automatic data transfer via cell phone network
- Automatic data processing at DMT servers
- Automatic reporting
- Real-time measurements possible
- Result presentation via protected website
- Established technology, high reliability

STABILITY MODELLING
read more »- Advanced numerical analysis with regards to tailing construction and filling conditions, geophysical ground analysis, coupled hydraulic-mechanical modelling
- Analysis for different upstream lake filling conditions
- Analysis for different water levels
- Modell calibration and constant adjustment with monitoring data
- Modelling provides threshold information for monitoring alerts

GEO-HYDROLOGIC MODELLING
read more »- Analysis of saturation and pressure and mass transport applying DMT hydro modelling toolbox
- Prognostic modelling of internal water flow to assess the dam stability under extreme conditions
- Flood Area Modelling to estimate the impact of an accidental failure
- Development of decommissioning concepts – dewatering, covering
- Cleaning of discharge §Groundwater and reactive mass-transport modeling downstream of the pond

MONITORING PLATFORM
read more »- Secure web-based user portal
- Comprehensive interactive online visualisation
- In-depth information analysis
- Early warning
- Reporting