Tailings Carbon Savings Estimation with Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation AMC®

Tailings Carbon Savings Estimation with Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation AMC®

As global pressure intensifies for the mining industry to cut emissions and operate more sustainably, tailings management has emerged as one of the most significant areas for impact. Until now, there’s been little quantified data showing how advanced tailings technologies can drive real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. That’s no longer the case.

A new independent study conducted by the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland has validated the carbon reduction benefits of Phibion’s MudMaster® Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation (AMC®) solution. The results reveal significant carbon savings — and provide a pathway for mining companies to calculate these savings at their own sites.

A 60% Reduction in GHG Emissions or -127 452 ton CO2e

The study focused on two operational mine sites — one in Australia and one in Brazil (MRN). It evaluated the complete emissions profile associated with tailings storage facility (TSF) management, including:

• Stationary and mobile fuel combustion

• Electricity use

• Construction material usage

• Vegetation clearance

• Closure and revegetation activities

  
  

Using site-specific operational data before and after MudMaster® implementation, the researchers calculated the total net greenhouse gas (GHG) effect in CO₂e terms.

The key finding?

The MudMaster® system reduced total tailings-related GHG emissions by over 60%.

This equates to a net carbon savings of more than 127,000 tonnes CO₂e at the Brazilian site alone — a massive reduction with both environmental and economic implications.

Tailings Carbon Savings Estimation with Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation AMC®

Why This Matters

Phibion’s MudMaster® system has long been recognized for its ability to improve tailings dewatering, increase trafficability, and reduce closure costs. Now, it’s also a proven decarbonisation strategy — providing measurable sustainability benefits at the heart of mine waste management.

Beyond environmental gains, this translates into:

• Lower operational and closure costs

• Reduced permitting and regulatory pressure

• Improved ESG credentials for investors and stakeholders

  
  

In an industry where climate reporting and environmental compliance are becoming non-negotiable, this kind of validated impact makes all the difference.

Want to Know More?

If you're interested in reading the full University of Queensland report or accessing the carbon savings calculator for your own site, get in touch with us today.

Tailings Carbon Savings Estimation with Accelerated Mechanical Consolidation AMC®