FEATURE
Tailings storage facilities design and tailings management
Sustainability and social
responsibility have become a top priority for mining companies . Water is becoming scarcer , and the cost of water is rising in some regions to all-time highs . Low head grades and ore bodies continue to pose their own challenge with the growing demand .
Meanwhile tailings dams ’ failures are causing destruction ranging from fatalities of innocent lives to property destruction . Water is critical for every mine site but its management can pose a challenge . From water scarcity through to water excess , mine dewatering can be a difficult process to navigate . Whether you need to install a new dewatering circuit or iron out issues with an existing one , we ’ ve got you covered :
• Develop a reliable and flexible dewatering plan
• Reclaiming process water for reuse
• Remove excess water from your pit
An important component of a responsible tailings management strategy is the dewatering of tailings . It can be a difficult process , however when undertaken successfully , can deliver significant benefits to mine operators .
Why you should dewater your tailings The foremost benefit of dewatering tailings is the reduction of water that needs to be transported from a process plant to a tailings storage facility ( TSF ). Reduced water content means tailings slurry volume is decreased , allowing for smaller pipelines and pumping equipment to be used . This can also minimise power requirements . Thickened tailings and paste can improve the stability of TSFs and diminish their footprint .
In some instances where existing TSF capacities are limited by regulatory or other environmental considerations , thickened tailings can help to extend the life of the mine .
Proper containment of tailings reduces the risk to people and the environment , and when decommissioning a mine ,
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