Fitton, TG 2018, 'Some comments on thickened tailings and beach slopes', in RJ Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2018: Proceedings of the 21st International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 91-102, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1805_07_Fitton
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1805_07_Fitton/)
Abstract: This paper discusses a number of points on the related topics of thickened tailings and beach slopes. Such points include the claim that thicker tailings is required in order to achieve steeper beach slopes, the claim that fan slopes dictate beach slopes, and the relevance of the segregation threshold. The paper discusses these points and others, and presents evidence to clarify the facts. Some relevant real world cases are also presented and discussed. Finally, some attention is given to the application of Robinsky’s thickened discharge concept to unthickened tailings, which thereby avoids the dam failure risks that plague conventional tailings disposal.

Keywords: thickened tailings, beach slope, tailings storage facility