High Tonnage Surface Stacking Impediments to Implementation

Authors: Schoenbrunn, F

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/563_17

Cite As:
Schoenbrunn, F 2005, 'High Tonnage Surface Stacking Impediments to Implementation', in R Jewell & S Barrera (eds), Paste 2005: Proceedings of the International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 251-259, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/563_17

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Abstract:
Water is a significant issue in the Atacama desert, and at a variety of mining locations worldwide. Maximizing water recovery makes sense both economically and environmentally. Surface stacking of tailings would appear to significantly improve water recovery for a limited additional capital expense. An additional benefit is extending the tailings impoundment life. However, even though surface stacking of tailings would appear to be both feasible and reasonable, the number of mines practicing this method is relatively low. So why hasn’t this technology taken off in a dry climate like the Atacama? A number of studies have been done looking at applying these methods to handle very high tonnages, but none of them have gone ahead. This paper will consider some of the reasons why and the barriers to implementing these projects. 252 Paste 2005, Santiago, Chile High Tonnage Surface Stacking... Schoenbrunn, F.

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