October 13, 2026, Mendoza, Argentina – Knight Piésold Argentina presented two technical papers at the 12th International Congress on Tailings Management (Tailings 2026), held from September 29 to October 1, 2026, in Santiago, Chile. The first explored the application of Multiple Accounts Analysis (MAA) to sites and technologies to define the next stages of a tailings storage facility (TSF). The second presented a case study on paste tailings transport optimization, model calibration, and concentration sensitivity.

Tailings 2026 brought together more than 880 delegates from 26 countries to share knowledge, experience, and perspectives on the industry’s current and future challenges. The program included more than 150 presentations on advances and best practices in tailings transport, deposition, management, and monitoring.

Technical Presentations

Gonzalo Laciar, Head of Electromechanical Engineering at Knight Piésold Argentina, presented “Multiple Account Analysis of Tailings Technologies to Define the Next TSF Stages” in Session 24 (TSF Design and Studies III).

He described how MAA, a structured decision-support methodology, was applied to evaluate tailings storage alternatives for a mine in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The methodology enabled a transparent, multidisciplinary comparison of different combinations of sites and technologies. He also highlighted how MAA documents each stage of the process and the criteria used, providing a clear record of the rationale behind the final decision.

Cristian Bertolo, Discipline Lead at Knight Piésold Argentina, presented “Case Study: Paste Tailings Transport Optimization, Model Calibration and Concentration Sensitivity” in Session 26 (Modeling and Predictive Analysis).

He outlined a case study of the paste tailings transport system at a TSF in Zacatecas, Mexico. The analysis evaluated its hydraulic performance, model calibration using field data, and sensitivity to solids concentration under different operating conditions. Field measurements showed a better fit with the Casson model than with the Bingham model suggested by laboratory testing. The calibrated model confirmed the feasibility of retaining the existing HDPE pipelines for the TSF’s new elevations, avoiding a costly retrofit with carbon steel pipelines and reducing the required capital investment while making full use of the existing pumping system.

Collaboration Across Knight Piésold Offices

Both papers were authored by Gonzalo Laciar, Cristian Bertolo, and Cristian Giner, Technical Project Coordinator, all members of Knight Piésold Argentina’s Electromechanical Engineering team. Alexander Manos, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Knight Piésold USA, also co-authored the paper on paste tailings transport.

Alejandro Demonte, General Manager, and Maximiliano Mateu, Business Development Lead, from Knight Piésold Argentina, also attended the conference, alongside Claudia Vallejos, Geotechnical Discipline Lead, and Adolfo López, Senior Engineer, from Knight Piésold Chile. The conference provided an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and exchange perspectives on industry needs and trends.

Knight Piésold thanks the Tailings 2026 organizers for the opportunity to contribute to the technical program. The papers presented reflect knowledge exchange across offices and the strength of the Knight Piésold team, working together to address complex tailings management challenges. Knight Piésold looks forward to continuing this dialogue with the technical community and contributing to the development of solutions for the industry.