Liquefaction Potential of Surface Deposits of High-Density Thickened Tailings

Abstract

One of the major perceived benefits of using high density thickened tailings for the surface disposal of mine wastes is the reduced risk of catastrophic failure. Utilisation of the procedure is, however, relatively new and there are few well-established operations from which field experiences can be gained. Concerns of potential liquefaction as a consequence of seismic activity are discussed in this paper and techniques for evaluating the potential for liquefaction derived from experience with natural soil deposits described. An inescapable conclusion is that although the likelihood of liquefaction failures in thickened tailings deposits are extremely low, care must be taken in utilising existing techniques that were derived from field data obtained from material that differs significantly in behaviour from that of thickened tailings.