Ignacio Ezama is a civil engineer with a solid knowledge of geomechanics and extensive experience in the development of geotechnical solutions in site-based and desktop applications. Ignacio has been involved in the development of numerous major geotechnical structures from scoping through to detailed design and construction, with practical experience in site selection, field investigation and geotechnical characterisation, design of embankments and other geotechnical structures, and assessment of risks related to hydraulics and seismicity. Ignacio has worked on projects involving a broad scope of tailings management, including thickened, dry stack, cyclone, co-disposal and conventional tailings covering a variety of commodities in both tropical and arid climates around the world. Ignacio has extensive experience in brine evaporation projects, including undertaking the site exploration and design of several extensive evaporation systems for lithium and potash projects in South America and Australia. In addition to his professional expertise, Ignacio has been involved in academic and scientific activities at the University of Buenos Aires.
The presentation reviews several projects in which the author has evaluated the final disposal of mining waste by assessing the risks and costs associated with operation and closure.