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In this paper a Canadian proposal for waste dumps classification according to their physical stability is presented. The method is based on a semi-quantitative evaluation of key factors affecting the stability of a waste dump, and the result allows assigning a certain class of dump according to their instability potential. These classes define a recommended level of effort for investigation, design, construction and monitoring of the dumps. To check the effectiveness of the classification a case study was carried out in face of the iron ore mining reality, in Nova Lima City, Minas Gerais State. The implementation of this work involved a documentation search followed by field work and analyses in order to apply the collected information about the dumps in the classification. The work also shows innovations introduced by the Authors about the use of the classification system as a means of assessing the quality of the dumps management and also makes it possible to identify main aspects of a project. The proposed classification system showed that it is a very useful tool for both planning and evaluation of all stages of a waste dump life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]