Daniel Adria

I am part of the UBC Geohazards Research Team. My research is focused on developing numerical models for the breach and runout analysis of tailings-flows.

Mining projects produce tailings, which are stored behind dams. Tailings are a waste product from the mineral processing which includes finely ground rock, contaminated water, and other hazardous elements. In the event of a tailings dam breach, there is often a catastrophic impact to human lives, infrastructure, and the environment. The science of predicting these impacts is not well understood however, with the physics and modelling involving many simplifications, assumptions, and judgments made by the professional. My research is on exploring methods and models to improve the predictions during a breach and the impacts to the downstream area.