Tailings filtration: integrating process design with geotechnical outcomes

Authors: de Kretser, R; Sofra, F Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_34

Cite As:
de Kretser, R & Sofra, F 2023, 'Tailings filtration: integrating process design with geotechnical outcomes', in GW Wilson, NA Beier, DC Sego, AB Fourie & D Reid (eds), Paste 2023: Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, University of Alberta, Edmonton, and Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 455-464, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_34



Abstract:
With the number of high-profile tailings storage facility incidents over recent years, filtration and dry stacking has received unprecedented attention as a viable option for the management of tailings. Due to regulatory pressures, both new and existing operations are at the very least evaluating or re-evaluating the cost-benefit balance offered by tailings filtration. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in the amount of evaluative test and design programmes in the area. However, the quality of this work may not always meet a level of technical rigour commensurate with the higher cost and associated risk of the filtration approach. One key risk in the filtered tailings design process lies in the interface between the tailings processing and materials handling/geotechnical disciplines, which typically operate in isolation of each other. This risk is in part due to different terminologies and technical bases used for describing similar properties, but more so is due to this divide preventing development of a holistic picture of the behaviour of the material (e.g. dewatering rates, achievable versus target moistures, rheological behaviour, material variability) across thickening, pumping, filtration, cake handling and ultimate placement. If available as early as possible in the design process, this information can save money and reduce risk by allowing well-informed decisions around design criteria, equipment choices (type, size, dewatering pressure, operational targets) and ongoing detailed test programmes. Using indicative data (Compressibility/permeability, rheology, filter sizing, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength, flow moisture point) this paper illustrates how a testing and evaluative approach integrating both process and geotechnical considerations can assist in clearly and quickly identifying critical flow sheet design information, operational windows, design and operational risks and highlight avenues for optimisation. Importantly much of this information can be obtained with relatively small sample sizes, early in the evaluation process and at lower cost. The strong interlinkage between material properties is also discussed. Whilst the focus of this paper is on filtration, this approach is equally valuable across all methods of tailings dewatering and disposal, and in particular assists with the early identification of the most suitable approach for an operation.

Keywords: cake moisture, cake handling, process design, flow sheet optimisation

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