Large scale backfill technology and equipment

Authors: Zhang, P; Li, HY; Shi, SH Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1404_04_Zhang

Cite As:
Zhang, P, Li, HY & Shi, SH 2014, 'Large scale backfill technology and equipment', in Y Potvin & T Grice (eds), Mine Fill 2014: Proceedings of the Eleventh International Symposium on Mining with Backfill, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 73-79, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1404_04_Zhang



Abstract:
In recent years, a number of large scale and deep underground metal mines have been developed in China, with proposed annual capacity generally exceeding 10 million tonnes. Where protecting the environment from surface subsidence, optimising recovery of ore resources and reducing the tailings storage requirements, the recommended approach is to fill with tailings backfill. Therefore, the study of large scale backfill technology and corresponding equipment becomes essential. Filling systems with tailings face new technical problems and challenges in large scale backfilling situations. This paper analyses the characteristics of technical processes, strategy selection and organisation of production for large scale backfill. It briefly introduces the paste thickeners and new sand bins, both of which can produce high-density tailings or paste in large quantities. The enlargement and improvement of mechanical mixers of vertical and horizontal types, which are used to mix tailings or paste with binders or other materials, is studied in this paper. A case study using large vertical mixers for backfill is described. The paper then describes the development of pumps for backfill in large flow and high pressure situations. Large scale backfill makes pipeline design critical, and this is also discussed in the paper.

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