Practical thoughts regarding filtered tailings

Abstract

Filtered tailings technology has been successfully implemented only at a limited number of relatively lowproductionrate mining operations. The technology, however, may be poised to make a dramatic leap forward as it is being proposed for use at several high-throughput operations. Demands from increasing regulatory scrutiny and decreasing water availability are likely to drive further adoption of the technology. This paper presents a recommended approach to select a tailings disposal method and summarises several filtered tailings design concepts and considerations that the author has found useful in his practical experience.