286 5. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRY A DFOS‑enabled ‘nervous system’ can provide full TSF‑scale integrity assessment that complements point sensors and InSAR by delivering dense, permanent measurements of thermal behaviour (often linked to seepage pathways), strain/deformation trends, and dynamic responses. When translated into decision‑ready indicators, this platform can reduce uncertainty between inspections, localize emerging issues early, and increase monitoring performance and response across the TSF lifecycle. The strategic advantage of DFOS for Boards, EoRs, and TSF practitioners lies in improved oversight and governance, underpinned by continuous, auditable, high‑resolution monitoring across large structures. DFOS advances driven by other monitoring domains (military, oil and gas, civil engineering, etc.) have accelerated system maturity, producing more robust hardware, standardized deployment methods, and interoperable data platforms. These developments have shifted DFOS from exploratory trials to scalable, operationally viable solutions ready for integration into TSF monitoring frameworks. However, outcomes depend on implementation strategy and on aligning the monitoring system to how TSFs are managed. Partnering with a competent DFOS solution provider is central: TSF‑tailored fibre design, commissioning/QC, and dashboard/alerting co‑designed with the Operator and EoR are what convert distributed sensing into effective risk management rather than additional complexity. Future work should prioritize collaborative full‑scale TSF deployments that (i) define success criteria tied to decision outcomes (lead time, hazard type and localization accuracy, false alarm burden), (ii) validate integration with TARPs and routine operational cadence, (iii) standardize evidence packages that support assurance and disclosure, and (iv) document repeatable deployment patterns for raises and closures. These steps directly support the sector’s priorities by reducing uncertainty, strengthening trust and transparency, and enabling faster, more responsible delivery from existing assets REFERENCES 1] Johansson, S., Sjödahl, P., Mondanos, M., & Stork, A. (2023). Distributed fibre optic sensing in Swedish dams and tailings storage facilities. Hydropower & Dams International (Vol. 30, Issue 2) / archive PDF. [2] Johansson, S., Stork, A., David, A., Mondanos, M., & Nygren, C. (2020). Fibre‑Optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Detection of Seepage and Internal Erosion (Energiforsk Report 2020:682).
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