The basic types of tailing dams including upstream, modified centerline, centerline and downstream construction methods are described and the pros and cons of each presented. Key issues that dictate the type of dam to be selected will be discussed. These issues typically include tailing properties, site characteristics, site seismicity, construction materials including tailing and beneficial use of other materials generated by the mining process will be discussed. Alternate types of deposition will be described ranging from single point to multiple spigots to subaerial deposition. Also tailing dams will be compared to water dams to show the differences in design approach. One of the key differences is the approach to the use of drainage.