Stacked deposits of thickened and filtered fluid fine tailings using geotextile tubes – concepts/lessons learned updates

Authors: da Silva, F

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_49

Cite As:
da Silva, F 2023, 'Stacked deposits of thickened and filtered fluid fine tailings using geotextile tubes – concepts/lessons learned updates', 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. 639-651, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_49

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Abstract:
The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management has the aspirational goal of "zero harm to people and the environment" from tailings facilities and provides a framework for safe tailings facility management while affording operators flexibility on how best to achieve this goal. This paper aims to consider an alternative form of fluid fine tailings management using geotextile tubes, which combines the enhanced geotechnical stability of the fluid fine tailings by dewatering and densification while effectively maximising the reclaiming of process water. To ensure that the return water is suitable for reuse in the plant and that the fluid fine tailings can be dewatered and densified faster, a physicochemical treatment (recipe) should assist solids/water separation and ensure fines agglomeration during pipeline transport before discharge in the geotextile tubes. This paper also describes the recipe/geotextile tubes concept and some lessons learned from their use as a filtration technology process designed to enhance the physical stability of fluid fine tailings deposits.

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