Spain
Risk management at tailings dams and other mining facilities
Tailings
We support mining companies and consultancies in the comprehensive risk management of mining facilities, with a particular focus on tailings storage facilities (TSF), in accordance with international standards and industry best practices.
EXPERIENCE THAT BUILDS TRUST
Experts in mining facility safety and risk management
We have extensive international experience in risk analysis, consequence classification, and the development of management strategies for tailings dams and other mining infrastructure.
We work alongside our clients to improve safety, optimize investments, and comply with leading international standards such as GISTM.
OUR PRODUCTS
4 products for comprehensive risk management
We develop specialized methodologies and services that support tailings dam operators through every stage of risk management, aligned with GISTM and international best practices.
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Screening-level PFMA/SQRA
We facilitate the identification, understanding, and management of tailings dam risk through collaborative workshops.
- Multidisciplinary collaborative workshops
- Failure mode identification (PFMA)
- Semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA)
- Alignment with ALARP and GISTM
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Detailed SQRA / QRA
We develop advanced risk assessments (SQRA/QRA), integrating expert knowledge.
- Detailed failure mode analysis
- Probability estimation with uncertainty
- Integration of multiple subject matter experts (SMEs)
- Alignment with GISTM
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Comprehensive risk management (continuous RA)
We support operators in risk assessment, integrating every stage into a continuous process.
- Integration of screening and detailed analyses
- Structured, progressive work plan
- Annual reviews and continuous updating
- Documentation and reporting
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Breach analysis and consequence assessment
We analyze tailings dam failure scenarios, accounting for the non-Newtonian behavior of the fluid.
- Breach modeling (DBA) with non-Newtonian flow
- Estimation of flow depths, velocities, and affected areas
- Assessment of potential loss of life (PLL) and impacts
- Integration into the overall risk analysis
Our 4 products complement one another to provide risk management that is robust, transparent, and aligned with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
PFMA/SQRA – At the screening level
At iVantise, we apply a structured methodology for the identification and analysis of Potential Failure Modes (PFMA), designed to support dam owners and operators in making informed risk-based decisions. Through a collaborative workshop, the available information is reviewed, a field inspection is carried out, and PFMs are identified and assessed using a semi-quantitative process (SQRA) that enables the prioritisation and definition of risk-reduction measures or knowledge-improvement actions.
This approach facilitates risk communication, promotes continuous improvement in safety management, and ensures alignment with the ALARP principle and international best practices.
Detailed SQRA / QRA
We carry out risk analyses at a higher level of detail (SQRA/QRA), aimed at thoroughly reviewing the predominant failure modes or “risk drivers” and incorporating the expertise of several specialists (SMEs).
At this stage, PFMs are broken down into nodes, which allows probabilities to be estimated in greater detail and the associated uncertainty ranges to be captured. This approach provides a more robust assessment, facilitates the prioritisation of risk-reduction or knowledge-improvement measures, and ensures alignment with the principles of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
Continuous RA follow-up
We offer comprehensive risk management services that combine screening-level and more detailed analyses within a structured work plan. This approach enables a progressive process for identifying, assessing, and monitoring the risks associated with the tailings dam, ensuring their continuous review over time. The service includes annual reviews to incorporate potential changes in the dam’s design, operation, or behaviour, ensuring that the infrastructure’s risk analysis remains up to date in accordance with the GISTM requirements.
Breach Analysis and Consequence Estimation
We carry out tailings dam breach studies (DBA) tailored to the specific characteristics of this type of structure, where the non-Newtonian behaviour of the materials governs the flow propagation and the features of the outflow. These studies make it possible to estimate water depths, velocities, and potentially affected areas with greater realism, taking into account the specific rheology of the tailings.
In addition, we assess the potential consequences in the event of failure, both in terms of Potential Loss of Life (PLL) and economic impacts, integrating these results into the overall risk analysis.
FEATURED PROJECTS
International experience in mining
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FEATURED PROJECTS
Spain
Flood study in Benaguacil (Spain) for Benaguasil Town Council – 2025
Brazil
Support to the Environmental Recovery Program of Belo Horizonte through disaster risk analysis and climate change (Brazil) for IDB – 2025
Dominican Republic
Feasibility study of flood control and mitigation works in the lower Yuna River Valley (Dominican Republic) for Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos – 2024
Manage the risk of your mining facilities
We help you align the management of your tailings dams with GISTM and international best practices.