Considerations for tailings facility design and operation using filtered tailings

Authors: Ulrich, B; Coffin, J Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1363_15_Ulrich

Cite As:
Ulrich, B & Coffin, J 2013, 'Considerations for tailings facility design and operation using filtered tailings', in R Jewell, AB Fourie, J Caldwell & J Pimenta (eds), Paste 2013: Proceedings of the 16th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 201-210, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1363_15_Ulrich



Abstract:
The use of filtering technology has improved considerably during the past few years, and tailings disposal facilities using filtered tailings are becoming more and more commonplace. Where once this method was only deemed suitable for relatively small-scale operations, technological advances are now being realised for large-scale operators. Often this application appears to be, and in fact is, relatively simple and straightforward. As with other tailings preparation methods, the use of filtered tailings provides no inherent panacea for tailings placement. Designers are advised to adopt designs thoughtfully, using site-specific data, information and tailings properties to ensure the method is employed rationally and that the resulting facility designs are flexible enough to accommodate changes to presumed operational design criteria. Practical experiences with facilities where less than optimal performance was achieved are presented.

References: