Objectives: The general objective of this project is to determine how climate change may affect the hydro-mechanical behaviour, stability, and flow-liquefaction potential of mine tailings. The research will examine the effects of changing precipitation, temperature, freeze–thaw conditions, evaporation, and water regimes on tailings properties and performance. Laboratory experiments, field information, climate projections, and numerical modelling will be integrated to evaluate tailings behaviour under current and future environmental conditions. Particular attention will be given to interactions between climatic loading, pore-water pressure, deformation, and strength loss. The project will identify conditions that may increase the probability or consequences of flow liquefaction. The findings will contribute to improved climate-resilient design, risk assessment, monitoring, and long-term management of tailings storage facilities.
- Project PI(s): Pooneh Maghoul (PI, Polytechnique Montréal), Antoine Jacquey (Co-PI, Polytechnique Montréal), Samuel Yniesta (Co-PI, Polytechnique Montréal), Rahim Barzegar (Co-PI, UQAT)
- Project partner: WSP Canada Inc.
- Funding: NSERC Alliance and Mitacs Accelerate, in partnership with WSP Canada Inc.
- Period: 2024/08 to 2027/08