Abstract
<jats:p>The chapter discusses mine tailings, their properties, sources, tailings dam types, their design, construction methods, instrumentation, monitoring, and maintenance. Mine tailings guidelines and standards used on tailings, as well as recent advances such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), were reviewed. Suggestions were made for improved care of tailings dams. The chapter emphasizes the need to consider environmental impacts and the engagement of affected communities where tailings dams are located. The whole life cycle of tailings dams, from the design concept of a tailings dam stage up to the aftercare stage when mining activities have ceased, was considered to reduce adverse effects of tailings dams on communities.</jats:p>