B

Belt channel / Peripheral channel

Channels built around the dams to prevent water, such as rainwater, from entering the dam. 

C

Center line dam

When the dam is expanded in stages, throughout its life, with overlapping dikes. 

Central drainage channel

It is a channel built, usually in stone, with the purpose of driving water out of the dam and preventing it from accumulating. 

Containment structure

A structure deployed below dams or dikes to retain the tailings in case of emergency and, in this way, reduce the impacts for the community and the environment. 

D

Dam

Structure used to contain sediment or store tailings and water.

DCE (Stability Condition Statement)

Mandatory document that proves the stability of a dam. Mining companies need to send the DCE to the National Mining Agency twice a year: in March and in September.

De-characterized structure

It is a dam that no longer poses any risk to the community, after undergoing works that eliminate its function of retaining tailings, water or sediment.

Decommissioning

This is when the operation of a dam is terminated. It is no longer operational.

Dike

A small dam. 

Downstream dam

Type of safe dam that is not extended over its tailings.

Drained piling

A method for depositing tailings, in which the material is arranged in a pile with an internal drainage system.

F

Floodgates

It is through them that we control the flow of water that passes through a containment structure. If there is an emergency at the dam, the gates are closed and the flow stops.

Flood spot

The picture of the region as it would look after the rupture of a dam. It takes into account the amount of material, the possible form of flow and the extent of the rupture.

G

Gabion

A structure used for dam reinforcement, land containment or drainage works. It is built with steel wire mesh and filled with stones.

I

Inlet / outlet

Place of water input (inlet) and output (outlet) of the spillway or overflow channel.

Iron ore tailings

Part of the ore production that is not processed (used). The material is not toxic, corrosive or flammable.

L

Lifeline

Protection implemented in the dam so that essential services can be performed safely by the worker. The system works by means of two metallic columns at the ends of the dam, interconnected by cables. The worker accesses the dam with a safety belt attached to the cables and can be removed from the site if necessary. 

M

Massif

The “body” of the dam. Usually built out of earth or concrete.

Monitoring

The permanent control and observation of the dam, through instruments, with the purpose of identifying and dealing with any change in structural conditions.

O

Overflow pipe / Spillway

A channel constructed to allow water left on the surface of the dam to drain off and keep the structure safer. It is usually made of concrete or stones.

P

PAEBM (Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams)

Technical document prepared by the mining company defining immediate actions in cases of emergency with dams with the purpose of minimizing damage. The PAEBM identifies potential emergencies, establishes the actions to be carried out and defines the people and bodies that must be notified.

Pore pressure

The pressure exerted by the water from the reservoir on the structure of the dam. We monitor this pressure continuously to ensure the safety of structures.

Probing

Collecting a soil sample for study before carrying out engineering works.

R

Reservoir

Location of the dam used to contain water, sediment or tailings from ore processing.  

Rupture scenario

Emergency at the dam. For upstream structures that are at alert level 3, we have already erected tailing containments to increase protection for communities and the environment in the event of breakage. 

S

Safe access to the dam

Protection installed so that workers can access dams and can be safely removed from the site in the event of a structural emergency.

Safety Factor

Parameter used to quantify the stability of a dam.

Single stage dam

When the entire dam consists of a single dike, built in one go. 

Stable dam

When the dam's structure is intact and ready to operate.

Sump

A basin dug into the ground to contain sediment carried away by rain. It is used as one of the environmental control measures at construction sites.

U

Unmanned Equipment / Remote Operation

Truck, excavator, tractor or other equipment that operates without drivers in the cab, to ensure safety for workers during works on upstream dams. The professional operates the equipment through remote control, in a room equipped with cameras, far from the risk area of the dam.

Upstream dam

Type of dam that, when enlarged, has dikes supported on its tailings.

Upstream dam reinforcement

Structure built below the dam to increase its stability condition.