The design and construction of higher tailings dams result in much higher confining pressures which can affect the geotechnical behaviour of tailings sand dams. This becomes even more relevant in regions with regular seismic activity. This article presents results and analyses of oedometric compressibility as well as cyclic resistance of tailings at high confinement pressures. Moreover, results of crushing and compressibility of gravel and rock-fill at high confinement pressures are also studied, since they form part of the drainage system of tailings dams. The seismic stability and deformation of tailings dams is discussed from the numerical analysis point of view. The importance of the selected PGA value and how has evolved in time in the Chilean engineering is shown. Finally, aspects related to the observational method to be applied during the construction and operation of tailings dams, are described. Future trends on mine waste disposal are introduced such as thickened and paste tailings and filtered tailings.