Tailings Management Systems

The handling and storage of mine tailings is a major environmental concern for mining operations worldwide. As an expert in slurry dewatering, Westpro provides turnkey Tailings Management Systems that help reduce or even eliminate the need for costly tailings ponds by producing high-density or stackable tailings, depending on the selected solution.

These systems combine various dewatering technologies to significantly reduce the volume of tailings slurry generated by the mill. They also offer the added benefit of recovering water for reuse in the process.

Westpro offers three tailored options, depending on the specific needs of a project. Contact us to find the right solution for your tailings management operation.

SOLUTION #1: TAILINGS MANAGEMENT HIGH DENSITY DISCHARGE

This cost-effective and practical solution is ideal for mines that can discharge thickened tailings into existing impoundment areas. It maximizes immediate water recovery while still using a tailings pond for final water reclaim and solids storage.

Westpro’s High Density Underflow (HDU) Thickener is designed for high performance, capable of processing up to 22,000 tonnes per day per unit. It produces a dense underflow with solids concentrations of up to 75%, helping to reduce overall tailings volume and improve water recovery efficiency.

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

SOLUTION #2: TAILINGS MANAGEMENT DRY STACKING

For dry stack tailings applications, a high-capacity thickener paired with a disc filter can handle processing rates of up to 7,000 tonnes per day. For higher throughput requirements, replacing disc filters with filter presses can increase system capacity to as much as 22,000 tonnes per day.

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 the backfill process needs 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