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Categorise tailings based on particle size distribution data
UWA PLUS
Preparation, Transport and Deposition of Tailings – MINEM501
An introductory level course aimed at professionals who are working in the field of tailings management but have had little or no formal training in the field. It is best suited to practicing engineers, geoscientists or people with significant experience in tailings in an oversight capacity and those wanting to gain knowledge on tailings management strategies. Participants will learn what deposition and storage techniques are available and preferred for managing different types of tailings streams.
Content to include:
- how tailings are generated and resulting characteristics based on origin and on method of ore processing
- variations in resulting particle size distributions
- impacts on engineering behaviour
- tailings transportation
- methods of deposition
- techniques used for tailings storage
- alternative and emerging technologies.
- Delivery mode
- Online access to learning material, on demand. Two online discussion forums will be held for students to discuss the learning material and share their own insights into the topics covered.
- Course dates
- Registrations:
- Effort
- 50 hours (including online learning, personal study time and assessments)
2 February 2026 - 27 March 2026
Registrations are closed
- Academic lead
- Professor Andy Fourie
- Cost
- $1,100 inc. GST
- Critical information summary
- MINEM501 Preparation, Transport and Deposition of Tailings [PDF 245KB]
What you'll learn
Participants will learn what deposition and storage techniques are available and preferred methods for managing different types of tailings streams. Participants will be able to:
Carry out basic calculations related to transport of tailings
Articulate the benefits and disadvantages of various deposition methods
Explain methods used for the storage of tailings and articulate the differences between conventional, thickened, paste and filtered tailings
Articulate the differences between conventional, thickened, paste and filtered tailings
Who should study this course
This introductory level micro-credential is aimed at professionals who are working in the field of tailings management but have had little or no formal training in the field. It is best suited to practicing engineers, geoscientists or people with significant experience in tailings in an oversight capacity and those wanting to gain knowledge on tailings management strategies. Participants will learn what deposition and storage techniques are available and preferred methods for managing different types of tailings streams.
Why study this course?
As a result of the recent Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), there is increasing demand for tailings professionals at the same time as the industry is experiencing a shortage of personnel with appropriate training. The GISTM will bring rapid change to the way the industry manages tailings and waste. This micro-credential and the subsequent micro-credentials will allow you to keep up with standards, technologies and guidelines dealing with tailings management.
Recommended prior knowledge
Bachelor of Engineering, or Master of Professional Engineering, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.
This micro-credential will require engineering numerical skills.
How does it work?
The micro-credential assessment involves two online tests.
What's next after this course?
Future micro-credentials in Introduction to Tailings Management will be available, including Basics of Tailings Geotechnics and Tailings Testing - An Introduction. The Calendar of micro-credentials can be found here.
These micro-credentials can be stacked towards a Graduate Certificate in Tailings Management.*
*In order to apply for the Graduate Certificate award you must have a Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent and have met UWA's English language competency requirements. Please refer to the Graduate Certificate in Tailings Management.