Deschamps, T, Benzaazoua, M, Bussiere, B, Belem, T & Aubertin, M 2006, 'A Laboratory Study of the Hydro-Geochemical Behaviour of Paste Tailings Disposal', in R Jewell, S Lawson & P Newman (eds), Paste 2006: Proceedings of the Ninth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 255-265, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/663_22
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/663_22_Deschamps/)
Abstract: Cemented paste tailings are used regularly for underground backfilling of open stopes. This technique allows 
returning acid generating tailings underground, where the backfill serves as ground support. Paste tailings 
disposal (PTD) on surface have been proposed for some time as an alternative to “traditional” tailings 
impoundments (e.g., Cincilla et al., 1997), which may be difficult to rehabilitate and responsible for many 
geotechnical and environmental problems (W.I.S.E., 2005). This technique is already used at the Bulyanhulu 
gold mine (Tanzania), where tailings are densified, pumped, and deposited as a paste in thin layers (Theriault 
et al., 2003; Shuttleworth and Thomson, 2005; Theron et al., 2005; McMullen et al., 2005). In this particular 
case, no binder is added to the paste tailings. However, even if the technique is promising, the interactions of 
the paste tailings in the disposal area with the local environment are still not well understood.  
This paper presents complementary results ensuing from a study performed by Benzaazoua et al. (2004) 
which presented details on the experimental set-up and background information. More specifically, this 
paper focuses on: (i) the hydrogeological and geochemical behaviours of paste tailings disposal after a long 
curing time and (ii) the microstructural and chemical characterisation of the cemented paste tailings.