Evaluation of Ciba® RheomaxTM Chemical Technology on Ferrochrome Deposits in Concrete-Lined Tailings Dams

Authors: Daubermann, RR; Földvári, Z Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/963_5

Cite As:
Daubermann, RR & Földvári, Z 2009, 'Evaluation of Ciba® RheomaxTM Chemical Technology on Ferrochrome Deposits in Concrete-Lined Tailings Dams', 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. 39-46, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/963_5



Abstract:
Ciba® RheomaxTM ETD products are specialty chemicals which provide a unique chemical approach to tailings treatment. They are applied in arid areas where water is scarce and also at mining operations where improved footprint is required for either land rehabilitation purposes or to simply achieve faster trafficable surfaces. This alternative technology was investigated on ferrochrome slime that was deposited onto concrete slab- lined tailings dam at ASA metals in South Africa. The physical characteristics of the chemically treated deposit were compared with that of the untreated material during the trial period. The RheomaxTM ETD thickened slime provided an excellent footprint and therefore successfully reduced the turnover cycle of the tailings dam. This paper discusses the challenges encountered in this case study during the implementation and optimisation of RheomaxTM products.