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Case Study: Tailings Storage Facility

Boliden AB– Aitik TSF Gällivare - Sweden

PROJECT SUMMARY
NAME: Aitik TSF
YEAR: 2020-2024
CLIENT: Boliden Minerals AB
CONSULTANT: Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB)
INSTRUMENTATION SPECIALIST: Ruspeco SL

OVERVIEW

Aitik mine is located about 15 kilometers southeast of Gällivare, Sweden.

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Mining began in 1968, and Aitik has grown into one of Europe’s largest copper mines, with a permitted capacity of 45 million tones per year. It operates as an open-pit mine, where ore is processed on site into a mineral concentrate. This is transported by rail to the Rönnskär smelters, while waste rock and tailings are deposited locally.

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Boliden has committed to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), established by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) in 2020. The standard sets a global benchmark for safe, responsible tailings management, aiming for zero harm.

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To meet GISTM requirements and address stability concerns, Boliden launched a multi-year remediation program at the Aitik Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). Between 2020 and 2024, over 45 million tonnes of rockfill were placed to buttress key embankments. The works included the installation of shear keys and toe berms to enhance long-term dam stability. Crucially, Boliden also transitioned the dam construction method from Upstream to Downstream configuration—improving safety without interrupting ongoing operations.

MONITORING

 

The Aitik Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is divided into multiple embankments, including dams A–B, C–D, E–F, G–H, I–J. HS, VR and V2.A monitoring program supports ongoing risk mitigation across the site.Key monitoring objectives include:

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• Tracking pore pressure in dams and foundations.

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• Detecting seepage and internal erosion.

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• Measuring embankment deformation and lateral movement.

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Sensors from Geosense, such as piezometers and In-Place Inclinometers instruments, are installed in critical zones.

 

Monitoring is conducted in near-real-time. A Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) is in place for high-risk areas like dam E–F, where pore pressure increases may indicate instability.

 

To reduce cabling across the vast site, Worldsensing gateways and loggers enable automated data collection. Visualization and analysis are performed in real time using Bentley VDV software, ensuring continued GISTM compliance.

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PRODUCTS USED

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GEOTECHNICAL SENSORS:

  • VW-3000 & 3400 Piezometers

 Used to monitor pore water pressures.

  • VW BAT-Piezometers

 To automate legacy BAT sensors.

  • QJ Inclinometer casing

  To allow placement of inclinometers.

  • In-place inclinometer

 Automatic measurement of lateral dis-placement of ground.

  • Portable inclinometer

 Portable measurement of lateral displacement of ground.

 

DIGITALIZATION:

  • Worldsensing Gateways

Edge Gateways.

  • Worldsensing Dataloggers

Digital, VW 5ch, VW 1ch, Analogue.

 

VISUALIZATION:

  • Bentley

On-Premises Vista Data Vision.

TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS:

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