Tailings
Engineering that sustains Chile's mining future
We design, audit and monitor tailings storage facilities under the most demanding international standards. Our team has contributed to the country's most complex tailings projects.
Who we are
Global technical rigor, local proximity
Chile faces a structural challenge in managing its tailings deposits. According to the National Tailings Deposits Plan for Sustainable Mining, led by the Ministry of Mining, the country has a historic opportunity to turn an environmental liability into a driver of innovation and sustainable development.
In this context, FHI delivers specialized engineering, from geotechnical characterization to real-time monitoring, to safeguard people, the environment and the operational continuity of mining operations. Our team brings together professionals with decades of experience in Chilean large-scale mining and in international projects under GISTM standards. We combine an agile structure with the technical solidity that the most complex projects demand.
Meet the team
+30
Years of combined team experience
+8
Integrated technical disciplines
100%
GISTM compliance on advised projects
Services
Technical solutions for every stage of the mining project
From exploration to closure, we support clients through the most critical technical decisions of their operations.
01
Tailings Storage Facility Design & Audit (TSF)
Design, independent review and technical audit of tailings deposits under GISTM standards and SERNAGEOMIN regulations.
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Geotechnical Campaigns
Execution of boreholes, SPT, CPTu, laboratory testing and geotechnical characterization for mining projects.
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Geotechnical Engineering & Slope Stability
Static and pseudostatic stability analysis, 3D numerical modeling and retaining-works design.
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Instrumentation Monitoring & InSAR
Installation and operation of monitoring systems (piezometers, inclinometers, satellite InSAR) with real-time data analysis.
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Constructability & Mine Works Planning
Constructability analysis, works sequencing, resource optimization and construction-interface management for tailings and mining infrastructure.
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Mine Closure & Environmental Management
Closure plans, long-term stability, covers, revegetation and environmental compliance for mining facilities.
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Hydrogeology & Water Management
Hydrogeological characterization, water balances, water-management design and seepage control via drain walls, Jet Grouting and diaphragm walls.
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GISTM Compliance & Technical Due Diligence
Independent review, gap analysis and support for implementing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
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Projects
Experience in the most demanding environments
We have contributed to tailings, geotechnical and monitoring projects in Chilean and Latin American large-scale mining.
Geotechnics
Slope stability & CPTu characterization
Monitoring
Piezometer network & satellite InSAR
Constructability
Embankment raise sequencing
Closure
Closure plan & deposit cover
Geotechnics
Foundation geotechnical campaign
Technical insights
Knowledge applied to industry challenges
Applying GISTM to Chilean tailings dams: challenges and lessons
How the Global Industry Standard translates into operating requirements under the SERNAGEOMIN framework.
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Satellite InSAR monitoring: an added safety layer for tailings deposits
Millimetric deformation detection and integration with piezometers and inclinometers.
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Constructability in dam projects: how to avoid cost overruns
Construction constraints, works sequencing and interface management across disciplines.
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Why FHI
A technical partner for critical decisions
01
Senior experience on the country's most complex projects
Professionals who have led tailings, geotechnical and monitoring projects in Chilean and Latin American large-scale mining.
02
Leading technology: InSAR, IoT, 3D numerical modeling, SCADA
We integrate conventional instrumentation with satellite sensors and analytics platforms for data-driven decisions.
03
Agile structure: fast responses, dedicated teams
The proximity of a boutique firm with the technical rigor and standards of global consultancies.
04
Commitment to safety, sustainability and regulatory compliance
Design and audit aligned with GISTM, SERNAGEOMIN, SEIA, ICMM and CDA at every life-cycle stage.
Need a geotechnical campaign or a tailings dam audit? Let's talk.
Let's schedule a meeting
Contact
Let's discuss your project
Tell us the technical scope and we will respond with a work proposal aligned to your schedule and standards.
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