Large-scale thickened tailings delivery and distribution system upgrade and optimisation

Authors: Javadi Rudd, S; Pirouz, B; Bibby, A; Newby, M; Purevdorj, M Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_59

Cite As:
Javadi Rudd, S, Pirouz, B, Bibby, A, Newby, M & Purevdorj, M 2023, 'Large-scale thickened tailings delivery and distribution system upgrade and optimisation', 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. 752-763, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2355_59



Abstract:
This paper presents the design aspects and challenges involved in upgrading an existing thickened tailings delivery and distribution infrastructure with the aim of utilising the system for a newly constructed tailings storage facility (TSF). The operation is Oyu Tolgoi, the largest copper and gold mine in the Inner Asia region with a total throughput of 40 Mtpa. The thickened tailings are currently discharged to the existing TSF cell at a solids concentration of 56 – 64%. Similar to the existing TSF cell, a new cell is designed as a turkey-nest-type TSF which will be raised annually using the mine waste. The new TSF cell is about 2 km long by 2 km wide and the tailings will be distributed to the TSF from the western and northern walls via multiple manifolds and spigots using a specifically designed linear distribution system. The proposed upgrades to the tailings delivery pipeline and the modified linear distribution system will significantly improve the operation of the existing tailings pumps and optimise the tailings deposition into the new TSF. The proposed modifications also minimise the need for relocation of the excessively large tailings pipes during the operational life of the TSF. The proposed upgrades and alterations to the existing infrastructures are discussed and presented in this paper.

Keywords: thickened tailings, tailings delivery, linear distribution system, operations improvements

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