Tailings Facility

Since 1986, Ames has provided a private client with innovative solutions on numerous projects to update and expand the client’s mining, milling, refining, and tailings operations. Ames’ services have included heavy civil construction, demolition, earthwork, mass grading, road construction, under- and above-ground pipe installation (HDPE, steel, stainless steel, rubber-lined CS, concrete, PVC, and CPVC), concrete facility construction, crushing, contract mining, pond construction, and liner installation.

Ames has managed the tailings operation for this client since 1999, placing more than 229 million cubic yards of material in a tailings dam that is 180 feet tall and seven miles long. The 24/7/365 construction and placement efforts include depositing from slurry pipes, placing up to 60,000 tons per day of compacted clean sand, and spigoting the fine tails inside the dam impoundment, including dust control. Ames’ knowledge of the tailings embankment, containing 70-plus miles of piping, has been paramount to the success of the project.

Ames worked closely with the owner during the design, bid, and construction of this tailings facility to adopt innovations and proven methods to keep the project within budget. On Phase 2 of the tailings dam project, the partners developed an efficient method of discharge that managed all of the water from the expansion while maintaining safety and reducing cost.