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Tailings planning with uncertainty - a Risk-Based Approach

This video showcases Muk3D's capability to run dynamic simulations for tailings planning taking into account uncertainty in both data and the system modelled. Muk3D Simulation Add-On connects Muk3D with Goldsim simulation software to run monte-carlo simulations for your tailings deposition and sequencing.



From deterministic to risk-based planning


For technical and time reasons among others, the traditional tailings planning approach has been deterministic, assuming fix input values while often ignoring uncertainty in both knowledge and randomness of the system.


With the capability of Muk3D to rapidly run tailings depositions, these limitations can now be bypassed. With the Muk3D Simulation Add-On, Muk3D can use the power of Goldsim in representing uncertainty using distributions to dynamically simulate tailings deposition and sequencing.


This approach brings a more sensible approach to tailings planning and allows for the quantification of risks.


Interface between Muk3D and Goldsim


The Muk3D Simulation Add-On creates an interface between Goldsim and Muk3D. Decide which variables you want to import/export and it creates the necessary DLL and server for the software to talk to each other. You can choose to import/export among the following variable types.

  • Float

  • 1-D array

  • Lookup Table

Define your deposition characteristics in Muk3D, develop your simulation model and define distributions in Goldsim and you're ready to go!


Muk3D deposition run inside of  a Goldsim simulation
Muk3D deposition run inside of a Goldsim simulation

Example of a stochastic tailings planning model


The example showcased in this video simulates the following system.

System Modelled

​

Goldsim

Muk3D

Simulates

Mass and Water Balance for a Concentrator, TSF and Return Water Dam

Deposition Run and Raising of Centerline construction dam wall when the freeboard is too small

Frequency

Daily

​Monthly

Exports

  • monthly volume deposited

  • slope above water

  • slope below water

  • pond operating volume

  • water freeboard

  • TSF volume vs elevation curve

  • TSF volume vs area curve

  • TSF catchment area

  • Dam wall crest elevation

  • Discharge elevation

  • Pond elevation

Find out more


This paper discusses how Muk3D and Goldsim have been integrated allowing for 3D tailings deposition to be incorporated into a water balance model. The difference in results between the 2D models for a TSF used in GoldSim and the same models run using a 3D deposition model are explored, and advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed.



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