25.06.2025
Major Mining Company Enhances Tailings Dam Safety with Dedicated Instrumentation Management
Sainte-Julie, QC – June 17, 2025 – A Major Mining Company is reinforcing its commitment to the safety and stability of its tailings containment structures with the implementation of a dedicated third-party instrumentation management system for its tailings area (TSF) dams. This company has partnered with GKM Consultants to achieve this goal.
Instrumentation has long been the cornerstone of monitoring tailings dam stability, providing critical real-time data that supports the prediction, mitigation, and prevention of potential incidents. Since 2015, the instrumentation systems for capital projects on tailings dams have been overseen by the Designer of Record (DOR). Over the years, the company’s operations and capital projects teams have continuously improved these systems to meet evolving safety and operational demands.
With increasing reliance on instrumentation during construction, the scope of managing these systems has expanded significantly. To address this, the company has teamed up with GKM Consultants to manage the full lifecycle of its dam instrumentation systems in the TSF area. This includes the installation, calibration, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, disconnection, reconnection, and supply of instruments.
Anticipated Challenges
While this initiative marks a significant step forward in dam safety, GKM recognize several potential challenges:
- System Complexity: Managing a wide array of instruments across multiple dam sites requires robust coordination and technical expertise.
- Data Reliability: Ensuring uninterrupted real-time data transmission and accuracy is critical.
- Integration with Construction Activities: Instrumentation must be carefully managed alongside ongoing construction to avoid disruptions or data loss.
- Multi-Contractor Alignment: In 2025, GKM Consultants will need to coordinate with two separate construction contractors working on buttress construction. Beyond 2025, this number may increase depending on the evolving project schedule, adding complexity to planning, communication, and execution.
Leadership Perspectives
“Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of the dam safety is supported by reliable, real-time data and expert oversight,” said John Lemieux, Business Development Manager, GKM Consultants.
“We’re proud to be part of a solution that prioritizes safety, collaboration, and innovation,” added Adam Dulmage, Business Development Executive – North America Mining Services.
About GKM Consultants Inc.
Founded in 2007, GKM Consultants specializes in the design, installation, and deployment of turnkey geotechnical monitoring systems. With a team of 50 engineers, technicians, and professionals, GKM supports major infrastructure and mining projects across Canada and in over 20 countries. The company proudly contributes to local economies by engaging regional partners wherever its projects are implemented.
