It costs between $1 and $40 a ton to build, operate, and close a mine tailings facility. That is as specific as I was able to be when answering a question today in response to an enquiry from Australia. There is a surprising paucity of data out there on the cost of tailings management. We have details of salaries & wages. We know the compensation of mining company executives. We know how much it costs to engage and retain even the most expensive consultant. But we have no data-base on tailings costs. (more…)
