Oscar Santiago, Phibion Pty Ltd, Australia
William McAdam, Phibion Pty Ltd, Australia
Rafael Menezes, Phibion SpA, Chile
Abstract
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and member organizations have set ambitious
targets for advancing tailings management practices, including the removal of moisture and enhancement
of tailings strength through the adoption of cost-effective, scalable technologies capable of processing
tailings and, ideally, reducing or eliminating tailings generation altogether. The implementation of Best Available Technology (BAT) in tailings management systems (TMS) is paramount for ensuring the cost-
effective creation of safe, stable, and environmentally sound landforms during both operational and post-
closure phases. Mechanical consolidation is an available technology that aligns with conventional tailings
storage facility design and operation, emphasizing the key principles of maximization of tailings density
and minimization of water retention – a paradigm consistent with the requirements outlined in the Global
Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
Accelerated mechanical consolidation involves the application of specialized equipment to impose
controlled loads on surface deposited tailings, significantly exceeding anticipated in-situ loads and
accelerating the consolidation process. This approach reduces the time required for tailings consolidation,
enhancing operational efficiency and reducing operational risks, while compacting and drying material
stored in the facility.
A large-scale trial conducted at a copper tailings storage facility in Chile’s central region aimed to
demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of mechanical aid in consolidating and compacting copper
tailings. Various geotechnical monitoring parameters – including density (both dry and bulk), undrained
shear vane, moisture content, in-situ infiltration, and cone penetration resistance – were meticulously
assessed on both unaltered and mechanically treated tailings. Results indicated an overall improvement in
all monitored parameters for areas subjected to in-situ mechanical consolidation and compaction, while
unaltered sections exhibited either minimal change or marginal improvement over the trial duration. These
quantifiable benefits suggest significant potential for enhancing tailings management practices through the
application of mechanical dewatering, consolidation and compaction techniques. The findings underscore
the transformative potential of accelerated mechanical consolidation as a technology in addressing key
challenges associated with copper tailings management.
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