What do we investigate when we research on mine tailings in Chile? An interpretative approach

As a result of recent socio-environmental disasters, mine tailings have become an environmental liability, raising concern among local communities, civil society and the State. This paper describes the present state of the art of research into tailings deposits in Chile through the analysis of academic publications. The study uses a subject classification model to reveal the dynamics and transformation of research over the last decade. The results show two main areas of research: one concerning the impact of tailings on the country and communities; and the other to the interventions that seek to reduce further impacts of tailings. The discussion section offers an interpretative analysis, which shows that in addition to the attention that is already being constantly paid to the impact of tailings, there has also been a considerable increase in the number of technical studies focused on providing new tailings management solutions during the period from 2015 to 2020. In both research approaches there have been case studies showing the adverse effect of regional agglomeration dynamics and national tailings similarities aimed at a better analysis, monitoring and governance. Recommendations are made to incentivize basic research, as well to broaden applied research.