Yes, GIS is an effective tool for monitoring tailings storage facilities (TSFs), providing consistent visibility into surface conditions and potential risk indicators over time. Using satellite imagery and spatial analysis, TSFs can be monitored without relying solely on on-site inspections.
One of the primary methods used is surface area monitoring, which tracks changes in the extent of the tailings over time. This helps identify expansion, irregular deposition patterns, or unexpected changes that may require further investigation.
In addition to surface tracking, GIS can calculate the distance between tailings material and critical infrastructure such as dam walls. Monitoring these distances is important for identifying potential risk zones and ensuring that operational thresholds are not exceeded.
By combining these spatial measurements with regular monitoring cycles, GIS provides an ongoing record of TSF behaviour. This supports risk management, compliance reporting, and early identification of conditions that may require intervention.