Oil sands tailings – technology developments and regulations

Authors: Houlihan, RH; Mian, MH; Lord, ER

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_37_Houlihan

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Houlihan, RH, Mian, MH & Lord, ER 2010, 'Oil sands tailings – technology developments and regulations', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2010: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 423-435, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_37_Houlihan

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Abstract:
In response to the ever increasing volumes of fluid tailings, the Energy Resources Conservation Board of Alberta introduced in February 2009 a new regulation for tailings derived from oil sands mining. The regulation requires that 50% of the fines (defined as <44 µm) of the oil sands feed be disposed of permanently in designated disposal areas (DDA). After one year, any tailings in the DDA which do not meet the strength criterion in the regulation must be remediated in place or removed. The paper reviews the technology development, need for the regulation, its implementation and effect on tailings practices in the oil sands industry.

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