Early Bird August 18 - $410
Regular - $450
Pricing reflects expected format of workshop with more discussion and feedback than other CDA workshops.
Price includes
breakfast (7:30 – 8:30)
two coffee breaks
lunch (12:00 – 1:00)
Delivery of Knowledge with Opportunity for Feedback
In-person, English language only
The Canadian Dam Association (CDA) provides technical guidance on the design, construction, operation, and closure aspects of dams in Canada. However, given the complexities and magnitude of modern Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs), specific and detailed guidance for effective and successful closure of TSFs is needed.
Successful closure requires the use of a holistic approach for closure planning, with closure requirements being considered and designed for from the onset of the mine development process. A dam or TSF’s closure configuration must achieve long term physical, chemical, ecological, and social stability. Additionally, there needs to be sustainable, environmentally appropriate after use, and closure planning should determine and account for the end land use of the TSF. The ultimate goal of closure is to create a sustainable landscape where catastrophic failure modes have been eliminated and/or where the risks associated with the structure are judged to be low enough for community acceptance and the environment. Closure risks should be integrated from the outset when determining the options for tailings storage, process selection and tailings technology, and continuously revisited as operational knowledge evolves, ensuring that closure plans are regularly updated and aligned with current understanding.
The purpose of this two-session workshop is to describe the process and phases of closure with considerations that need to be made, and to introduce risk considerations for successful closure with the concept of Risk Informed Closure Design (RICD). Following each session’s presentation, an open discussion will be held to allow for questions, with the authors amongst the workshop participants. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input on the concept of RICD and on the proposed Closure Bulletin content. Participant feedback will be used to update the draft Closure Bulletin based on workshop results.
The learning objectives of this two-session workshop will be for the participants to gain an understanding on the concept of RICD and the details for successful closure as described in the draft Closure Bulletin for mining dams and TSFs.
Ali Nasseri-Moghaddam (Geosyntec)
Andy Small (Klohn Crippen Berger)
Angela Bertin (Vale)
Anthony Burnett (Suncor Energy)
Jeff MacLean (Klohn Crippen Berger)
Karine Doucet (Rio Tinto)
These workshops are geared towards professionals who are involved in the design of mining dams throughout their various phases, such as professional engineers, dam owners, dam regulators and any others interested in understanding more about RICD and TSF closure.
Workshops provided in conjunction with the 2025 CDA Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Sept 28-Oct 1, 2025)
