This is a potential problem of tailings deposits. The problem is referred to the possibility of making or becoming a fluid the tailings material. The often nature of liquefaction failures results from the speed with they occur and the absence of warning cracks or leaks. The material in an earth structure can remain in a metastable stage either continuously or periodically over a number of years until eventually a random event causes spontaneous liquefaction.
The main causes of liquefaction are vibrations produced by an earthquake or by blasting near the tailings pond, large strains in loosely deposited materials produced by foundation spreading, excess pore water pressures caused by heavy rainfall and local failure of retaining dike causing large strains in the sensitivity materials behind it. All these possibilities are applicable to gold mining operation with different disposal systems.
Tailings disposal systems must be designed to handle unexpected events