Program Overview

Diploma in Tailings Engineering

The Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Chile, through its Departments of Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Geophysics, and its Advanced Technology Center for Mining (AMTC), offers the Diploma in Tailings Engineering (DIR) with the objective of training professionals who lead the implementation of solutions associated with the proper management of mining tailings.

Presentation

This multidisciplinary program has trained over 140 Chilean and foreign professionals in its four versions since 2019. It is conceived as an initiative that focuses the experience of renowned academics and professionals in tailings engineering to accelerate the process of forming advanced human capital, centering its training environment on the implementation of the best practices and trends in the mining industry. This diploma is taught annually starting from 2025.

Objective

The objective of the Diploma is to train and perfect professionals linked to tailings engineering in the various aspects that encompass the conception, construction, operation, and closure of tailings deposits.

Plan of Studies

The courses of this Diploma will be taught in online synchronous mode, with the classes of April 24 and 25 being mandatory in-person, and one hybrid class per month. A total of 122 lecture hours and 148 hours of personal work are considered, distributed in:

1. Introduction to Tailings Engineering (6 hours): Provides a global vision of the relevance of tailings deposits in the Chilean mining industry. It also analyzes the current context of operations and deposits, presenting the challenges associated with country development and environmental and social impacts, where mining plays a central role.
2. Seismic and Geological Hazard (17 hours): Delivers tools to identify, understand, and characterize the geological and seismic hazards to which tailings deposits are exposed in Chile.
3. Geotechnical Elements of Design, Construction, and Operation (30 hours): Presents the fundamental geotechnical concepts used in the design, construction, and operation of tailings deposits.
4. Environmental and Social Impact (24 hours): Provides a global vision of the main elements that constitute the environmental impact associated with tailings deposits.
5. Geotechnical and Chemical Instrumentation and Monitoring (15 hours): Presents experimental techniques for collecting and analyzing data obtained in the field.
6. Water Recovery, Tailings Management, and Disposal (15 hours): Reviews the relevant aspects of water recovery from thickening systems and tailings deposits.
7. Management and Governance (10 hours): Addresses the most relevant aspects in management, regulatory framework, and governance necessary for efficient management in tailings deposits.
8. Integration Project (5 hours): Students carry out a group project throughout the Diploma that integrates all the competencies acquired during its development.

Place and Class Schedule

• First two days of classes are in-person and mandatory, one hybrid class per month, and the rest are 100% online synchronous.
• Class schedules: Fridays from 18:30 to 20:30 hrs and Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:30 hrs.

Teaching Team

• May-Lin Almendras C., Ph.D. (Arcadis)
• José Campańa Z., M.Sc. (Arcadis)
• Manuel Caraballo M., Ph.D. (DIMIN, U. de Chile y U. de Huelva)
• Francisco Carrasco M., M. Sc. (WSP)
• Diana Conte S., Ph.D. (DGF, U. de Chile)
• Carlos Espinoza C., Ph.D. (Hidromas)
• Roberto Gesche S., M.Sc. (DIC, U. de Chile)
• Christian Ihle B, Ph.D. (DIMIN, U. de Chile)
• Pablo Heresi V., Ph.D. (DIC, U. de Chile)
• Marisol Lara C., M.Sc. (DG, U. de Chile)
• Rodrigo Moya C., MBA (Sinncronia)
• Gullibert Novoa G., M.Sc. (SERNAGEOMIN)
• Felipe Ochoa C., Ph.D. (DIC, U. de Chile)
• René Orellana F. (Codelco)
• César Pastén P., Ph.D. (DIC, U. de Chile) Professor and Academic Coordinator
• Jorge Troncoso B., M.Sc. (BGC)
• Sebastián Urbano A., M.Sc. (Codelco)
• Pedro Valencia Z., MBA (Shimin)
• Luis Valenzuela P., M.Sc. (Consultor independiente)
• Jacques Wiertz, Ph.D. (SMI Chile)

Evaluation and Approval

• Minimum 75% attendance.
• Group work in each course and individual tests.
• Final Note = Average Notes of Work in each course.
• Approval with a final note of 4.0 or higher (Scale of 1.0 to 7.0).
• A digital Certificate of Approval and Certificate of Notes will be delivered.

Admission Requirements and Registration

To register, applicants must:

• Include a photo of their ID, DNI, or passport, on both sides.
• Provide a certificate of a relevant degree.
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae with relevant professional experience (minimum 2 years in the area of tailings engineering).
• Include a letter of motivation.
• Optionally, a letter of recommendation.

Payment Method

• Payment in cash with national or international bank transfer.
• Link to payment system for payment in cash with debit card.
• Link to payment system for payment in up to 10 installments with national or international credit card.
• Order of purchase, issuance of invoice, and payment to 30 days with transfer for companies in Chile.
• Order of purchase, international transfer, issuance of invoice, and issuance of Invoice for companies outside Chile.

Discounts

• Early registration discount of 30% until December 15, 2025 (not cumulative with other discounts).
• 20% discount for individuals residing outside Chile for attending the first two mandatory classes, cumulative with early registration.
• Other discounts available.

Notes

• This program will be carried out with a minimum of 25 students.
• The indicated value is the total to be paid; there are no additional payments.