An Integrated Approach to Paste Thickening and Pumping at the Voorspoed Diamond Mine

Authors: Mulligan, MC; Paterson, AJC; van Sittert, F Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/963_20

Cite As:
Mulligan, MC, Paterson, AJC & van Sittert, F 2009, 'An Integrated Approach to Paste Thickening and Pumping at the Voorspoed Diamond Mine', in R Jewell, AB Fourie, S Barrera & J Wiertz (eds), Paste 2009: Proceedings of the Twelfth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 169-178, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/963_20



Abstract:
During April 2008, De Beers commissioned a new diamond mine near Kroonstad South Africa, known as Voorspoed Mine. Water scarcity in the area required the use of paste thickeners at the end of the process to recover as much water as possible. An integrated approach was used to design the paste thickeners and slurry pipeline system that was needed to deliver as high a solids concentration as possible, while still using centrifugal pumps. This paper reviews the methods used between the paste thickener vendor (FLSmidth) and the slurry pipeline design company (Paterson & Cooke) to maximise the recovery of water from the paste thickeners. Findings on the project are shared in the following areas: test work; computer simulations; detailed design of the equipment and control systems; and commissioning of the plant.

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