Loan, C, Villanueva, ML & Saldia, N 2011, 'Collahuasi paste thickener — pilot and full-scale results', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2011: Proceedings of the 14th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 101-110, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1104_10_Loan
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1104_10_Loan/)
Abstract: The ever increasing scarcity of water has driven many operators to consider paste thickening as a viable means of disposal, maximising water conservation by increasing underflow density of traditional tailings.
Being located in arguably the driest place on earth makes water conservation a top priority for Collahuasi and is a major constraint for organic growth in copper production. As such Collahuasi and Outotec have invested considerable resources into piloting, designing and operating a full-scale demonstration paste thickener at Collahuasi’s operations.
This paper addresses the critical stages in piloting and size determination along with full-scale operational results post installation.