Processing phosphate rock takes 3 to 4 cubic meters of water per tonne — but the industry recycles more than 90% of it through cooling ponds. U.S. Department of Energy
Education
Short courses, graduate certificates, and workforce development focused on tailings management.
Explore ProgramsResearch
Advancing safe and responsible tailings management through rigorous academic and applied research.
Learn About Our ResearchIndustry Partnership
Connecting industry with leading universities to address the most pressing challenges in mine waste.
Become a PartnerMeet Our Team
Faculty, researchers, and industry leaders working to advance tailings management.
Terry Braun
Center Director
Jean Kugel
Industry Advisory Board Chair
Kray Luxbacher
Technical Advisor
Research That Makes a Difference
The Tailings Center brings together world-class researchers from three leading universities to tackle the most critical challenges in mine waste management — from geotechnical stability and water management to closure planning and environmental protection.
Our work bridges academic rigor with real-world industry needs, producing research that directly informs safer tailings practices globally.
3
Partner universities
20+
Industry partners
100+
Tech Talks & courses delivered
University Partners
A collaboration of three leading research universities.
Industry Partners
Working with leading companies to advance tailings management.
Copper Partner
Gold Partner
Lithium Partner
Iron Partner
Join the Tailings Center
Connect your organization with leading researchers and industry peers working to advance safe and responsible tailings management.