Implementation of a deep cone thickener and pumping system to transform an existing conventional tailings dam into paste tailings

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

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_51

Cite As:
Huillca, G 2026, 'Implementation of a deep cone thickener and pumping system to transform an existing conventional tailings dam into paste tailings', 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. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2655_51



Abstract:
This paper presents a successful case study of converting an existing conventional tailings dam with a beach slope of approximately 0.5% into a paste tailings dam with a beach slope of approximately 2%. The disposal of paste tailings began in 2016. The mine is located in the central highlands of Peru at 4,200 m a.s.l. The concentration plant processes 5,430 tpd of polymetallic tailings (lead, silver, and zinc). Since the mining operation is underground, sand from the tailings is required for mine fill. For this reason, a cyclone system and thickening were implemented prior to discharge to the tailings dam. At times, whole tailings are discharged to thickening, while at other times, fine tailings from the cyclone are discharged to thickening before final discharge to the tailings storage facility. Finally, to achieve paste tailings, a 19 m diameter and 21 m high deep cone thickener was installed. A piston pump (flow rate of 185 m3/h at 95 bar) was also installed to propel the paste tailings through a DN200 diameter SCH80 pipeline, 1,350 m long, to the discharge points at the tailings dam. The rheology achieved at the thickener outlet ranged from 80–250 Pa shear stress, corresponding to solids concentration of 60–71% by weight. This rheology achieved an average beach slope greater than 1.5%, thereby increasing the dam's life by approximately 3 years.

Keywords: paste tailings, beach slope, rheology

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