Detailed engineering for the implementation of filtered tailings in Peruvian underground mining

Authors: Gonzales, G; Huillca, G Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_13

Cite As:
Gonzales, G & Huillca, G 2026, 'Detailed engineering for the implementation of filtered tailings in Peruvian underground mining', in AB Fourie, M Horta, M Oliveira & S Wilson (eds), Paste 2026: Proceedings of the 28th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_13



Abstract:
This study focuses on the operation of an underground mining unit located in the central highlands of Peru, at an altitude exceeding 4,000 m above sea level. The metallurgical process includes primary crushing, fine grinding, gravity concentration, and tank cyanidation to produce a gold-rich and silver-rich solution. This solution is subsequently treated in a Merrill–Crowe plant (zinc precipitation). The resulting precipitate is dried and smelted to produce doré bars containing gold and silver. The tailings generated from the cyanidation process are directed to the flotation circuit, where lead–silver and zinc–silver concentrates are recovered. Due to the very limited area available for tailings disposal, the use of a filtered tailings storage facility was evaluated, as filtered tailings allow higher density placement and improved storage efficiency in constrained topographies (Fourie & Blight 2017). This approach offers significant advantages, including improved water recovery – which is critical for mineral concentration processes in Peru, where water resources are scarce – enhanced mine closure conditions, and safer storage facility operation, as filtered tailings exhibit very low moisture content. For the design of the tailings filtration plant, a detailed engineering study was performed to produce filtered tailings based on their physical characteristics. The study also considered the challenges posed by the project location, including high rainfall and extreme cold temperatures. The scope included evaluating the area required for the filtration plant (selecting filter press technology), assessing the filtration rate through laboratory testing, and determining the moisture content required for efficient transport and disposal of the filtered tailings. This document outlines the benefits associated with filtered tailings, describes the key design considerations for the filtration plant, and identifies the main estimated costs associated with the engineering development.

Keywords: tailings filtration, filter presses, high altitude

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