ABSTRACT
In 1988, Southern Peru Copper Corporation (SPCC) commenced an evaluation for alternatives to tailing deposition in Ite Bay where tailing had been deposited since the Toquepala mine began production in 1959 and the Cuajone mine began production in 1976. The tailing from the two concentrators had been commingled at the Toquepala site and carried in the natural dry stream channel to Ite Bay about 90 km from the concentrator. Tailing storage alternatives considered included deep-ocean deposition or storage in an onshore structure. In 1994, SPCC implemented stricter environmental policies in accordance with new Peruvian regulations and decided to utilize one of the on-shore structures and halt deposition in Ite Bay by December 26, 1997. To accomplish this, SPCC undertook the investigation, design, construction, and commissioning of the Quebrada Honda tailing storage facility (TSF). The TSF is located in a seismically active area at the northern end of the Atacama Desert, 35 km from the Toquepala mine. The operation currently processes 140,000 tons per day. Ultimately, the TSF will retain 1,100 million tons, have a height of 128 m, and have a 4-km crest length. A 35-m-high starter embankment was constructed of alluvial sands, gravels, and cobbles. The remainder of the downstream-method embankment is being constructed in thirteen 5-m raises from compacted cyclone sands, including a foundation drain.
