Introduction

An Alternative to Conventional Tailings Disposal

Thickened Tailings Disposal (TTD) was introduced by Dr. Eli Robinsky in 1968 to reduce the negative environmental impact that may be associated with the more conventional, or traditional, approach to mine tailings disposal. For philsophical reasons the new owners use the term Tailings Management Systems (TMS), in relation to "stewardship" and a "systems" approach to the art and science of engineering solutions for tailings. The primary aim of TMS is to create a self-supporting ridge or hill of tailings, thus minimizing the requirement for confining dams and eliminating the conventional superimposed pond. In most cases, the system allows the tailings area to be progressively reclaimed even as mining continues.

      

Philosophical Difference Between Conventional Disposal and the TMS

In the conventional system the properties of tailings are fixed by the process plant and all confining dykes and "control structures" in the disposal area must be engineered to withstand the forces and conditions imposed by nature.

The TMS takes an entirely different approach.

In the TMS the properties of tailings and their placement are engineered to suit the unstructured natural topography of the disposal area - a much safer and more friendly approach to the environment. See Publication List.

Items to Consider in Cost Comparisons

The cost of installing additional thickening required for a TMS involves primarily the acquisition of thickening equipment. This equipment has undergone significant technological improvements and cost reductions over the last 8 to 10 years. This buys an essentially "engineered" management system that can be progressively reclaimed, even as mining continues, and can conclude with a low cost solution for closure. Whereas the use of conventional system continues to require large expensive dams, larger discharge and recycle pipelines and pumping installations, high operating costs in repositioning spigot lines, and dam raising operations. Finally, the conventional system with its large superimposed liquid pond requires significant expenditures in order to be reclaimed in a suitable manner.

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