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Tailings Management Systems

The processing and storage of mine tailings is a key environmental issue for mining projects around the world. Utilizing its expertise in slurry dewatering technologies, Westpro offers turnkey Tailings Management Systems that allows owners to reduce or eliminate costly tailings ponds by producing stackable tailings.

These systems utilize combinations of the company’s line of dewatering equipment to reduce the volume of the tailings slurry produced by the mill. An added benefit is the recovery of water for reuse in the process.

Westpro can proposed three different solutions based on the project requirements.

SOLUTION #1: TAILINGS MANAGEMENT HIGH DENSITY DISCHARGE

This cost-efficient and convenient tailing management solution for mines able to discharge their thickened tailings into tailings impoundment areas. This approach maximizes immediate water recovery while still utilizing a pond for final water recovery and solids storage. The Westpro Machinery High Density Underflow thickener (HDU) is capable of dewatering up to 22000 t/d per unit and delivering underflow with solid percentage up to 75%.

Multiple lines can be used if the capacity is greater than 22000 t/d.

SOLUTION #2: TAILINGS MANAGEMENT DRY STACKING

For dry stacked tailings a high capacity thickener plus a disc filter can be used up to 7000 t/d. The capacity will increase up to 22000 t/d by replacing the disc filters with filter presses.

Multiple lines can be used if the capacity is greater than 22000 t/d.

SOLUTION #3: TAILINGS MANAGEMENT PASTE BACKFILL

Cemented paste backfill technology has become an important component of underground mining operations. It provides a safe work environment by backfilling the underground stopes and offers an effective means of mine waste disposal. Westpro Machinery’s solution is a combination of a High Capacity Thickener and a Backfill plant to discharge tailings and backfill to underground stopes. Westpro Paste Backfill plant is able to dewater 7000 t/d and produce paste backfills up to 85% solids. Solution # 3 would be used with either Solution # 1 or Solution # 2 when backfill process is needed to be momentarily or permanently shut down.

Multiple lines can be used if the capacity is greater than 7000 t/d.

Equipment Commonly Utilized in Tailings Management Systems