The testing program included measurements of viscosity, density, gel time, and observation of material behavior in the hardened state, considering preliminary acceptance criteria defined by the project. The results show that both technologies exhibit viscosities close to that of water, allowing penetration into fine fractures, as well as controllable gel times compatible with deep grouting operations. In particular, colloidal silica solutions demonstrate a more stable mechanical behavior after gelation, associated with their higher solids content and mineral nature. Early experimental evaluation of these technologies helps reduce technical uncertainty, optimize the selection of grouting materials, and minimize rework during construction, thereby contributing to a more efficient and safer execution of critical mining infrastructure. However, further field validation is required to confirm long-term performance under in-situ conditions. KEYWORDS Grout curtain; acrylic resins; colloidal silica; tailings dam; gel time; Lugeon; responsible mining. 1. INTRODUCTION The growing global demand for minerals requires the development of mining infrastructure that can be designed and constructed in a faster, smarter, and more responsible manner. In this context, tailings dams represent one of the most critical components of the mining value chain, due to their direct impact on operational and environmental safety. Seepage control in the foundation of these structures is a key aspect in ensuring their longterm stability. Traditionally, this objective is addressed through the construction of grout curtains based on cementitious grouting, including high-penetrability microcements. However, in highly fractured rock masses or in the presence of fine discontinuities, these solutions may reach their technical limits. Under these conditions, it becomes necessary to evaluate alternative grouting technologies capable of sealing smaller-aperture fractures while maintaining safety, durability, and environmental responsibility criteria. Among these alternatives are acrylate-based resins and colloidal silica solutions, which exhibit significantly lower viscosities than conventional cementitious grouts. 2. PROJECT CONTEXT AND IDENTIFIED ISSUES The evaluation is framed within a grout curtain construction project associated with a largescale tailings dam linked to a copper mining operation located in southern Peru. The curtain is executed from a plinth approximately 1.20 to 1.50 m thick, founded on a rock mass composed of a sequence of gneiss and granite, moderately weathered in the upper levels. The first 15 m of depth exhibit a discontinuity system with diverse orientations, variable apertures, and heterogeneous infill materials. Despite the execution of the grouting lines defined
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0Mzk2