Spatial distribution characteristics, risk assessment and management strategies of tailings ponds in China

The tailings ponds (TPS) stemming from mineral resource exploitation are becoming a global challenge due to their high hazards and pollution to the surrounding area. However, previous studies on China's tailings ponds have either focused on a single or few areas, or the number of tailings ponds varies greatly. A systematic assessment of the number, distribution characteristics, potential risks and management strategies of the tailings pond in China is lacking. This study obtained the latest list of tailings ponds in China up to the end of 2022 based on official information and assessed their spatial distribution characteristics, environmental risk and management strategies simultaneously. The results demonstrated that the distribution of TPS in China is relatively clustered and multiple factors affected the spatial distribution of TPS in China, which were concentrated in areas with low economic and population density, convenient transportation, and a developed water system. The risk assessment suggested that 1803 TPS had large or significant environmental risks, which were mainly distributed in Yunnan, Hunan, Shaanxi and Jiangxi provinces. To solve the problem of tailings ponds from the source, the key point of tailings pond management in China should be adjusted from the prevention of pollution or dam break accidents to the full resource utilization of tailings. In summary, this study will provide a scientific basis for the risk control of TPS and an innovative idea for the management of other solid waste.