TAILINGS
Filtering through
Paul Moore looks again at some of the latest trends and technologies in tailings management & disposal across paste , thickened and filtered tailings
In 2022 , ICMM published the Tailings Reduction Roadmap , which lays out innovative approaches and solutions capable of significantly reducing tailings from the mine life cycle . It highlighted mature solutions that can be implemented in the short-term , such as coarse particle flotation technology ( CPF ) which enhances the recovery of coarser particles of ore , as well as solutions with the potential to reduce tailings in significant quantities , but will require further development over the next 10-15 years .
Erik Vlot , Global Tailings Process Manager and Job Kruyswijk , Slurry Solutions Manager at Weir say the company shares this commitment and is rethinking the basic assumptions the mining industry has about tailings . It is researching and developing innovative technologies and processes in a way that transforms the current value proposition and ensures more sustainable tailings operations .
They stated : “ Weir Technology Hubs play a vital role enabling Weir to partner with miners to help them rethink , reduce and repurpose their tailings . They are centres of excellence , where various technologies and solutions for tailings management can be developed , trialled and assessed . We carry out extensive testing and analysis to identify ways to optimise tailings processing methods , reduce the amount of tailings generated and ensure it ’ s a more
manageable product .”
Providing proof of concept for tailings solutions ensures that any recommendations made by Weir are substantiated with practical demonstrations that can be viably scaled up and remain effective . Weir also carries out sample testing , which includes a detailed evaluation of the pros and cons of proposed solutions , with a focus on the practical applicability in real-world scenarios .
Vlot and Kruyswijk : “ These capabilities allow Weir to partner with miners to share its technical expertise , allowing them to make decisions about their tailings management solutions based on solid evidence and , as a result , ensuring a higher chance of successful implementation .”
Weir Technology Hubs carry out slurry test work to determine the most beneficial overall approach . This means analysing specific components in the circuit and , from there , developing and validating flowsheet-driven bespoke solutions . At the facility in Melbourne , Australia , there is a particular focus on dewatering applications ; it also has a pipe loop test facility that provides design in-puts to pipeline designers in order to de-risk their designs .
Additionally , Weir has the ability to test a complete cyclone setup , facilitating the thorough examination of Terraflowing™ flowsheets ,
Metso ' s new Larox ® FFP3716 pressure filter has the biggest plate made of a monoblock in the market
covering each stage from thickening and cycloning to centrifuging , mixing , pumping , as well as deposition tests and equipment sizing .
Through active development and testing of flowsheets , Weir says it is able to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify areas for improvement . “ Weir Technology Hubs are key innovation centres for the mining industry and offer an invaluable resource where ideas and concepts rapidly evolve and mature and have proven to create meaningful changes that will help make mining more sustainable . Weir ’ s engineers have expertise in site-specific design , developing bespoke pipeline transport , dewatering and separation systems based on operational requirements .”
Different strategies exist for managing specific tailings streams and Weir told IM it works closely with miners to understand their specific challenges . It then works to identify the most beneficial solution .
The primary objective is often to de-risk operations and minimise uncertainties . “ This process typically involves creating a clear understanding of achievable baselines and determining specific actions , such as utilising PD
APRIL 2024 | International Mining 51