There are various types of tailings storage facilities, including ponds formed by dams, and pre-existing ponds, and stored in closed open pit or underground mines. Internationally, building dams are often used as storage methods.
For example, building a dam for tailings storage in a mountainous area using the natural settings of valley fills method is used at Erdenet Mining Corporation.
At the Oyu Tolgoi mine, dams are constructed on flat surfaces, enclosed on all four sides, and tailings are stored within.