When designing a mining containment system, there are many factors to consider in order to achieve effective containment and environmental protection. What materials are going to be contained? Tailings, heap leach solutions, or waste, will all require different types of liners and structural design. Geotechnical properties must also be considered, such as the soil stability, permeability, and slope. These will influence the containment system's structural integrity and potential for leakage.
Hydrological factors like groundwater levels and precipitaiton will determine how the design prevents contamination and ensures proper drainage. The location of the project will determine what kind of regulations and standards will be required of the design.
