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Services Provided
Adopting the Tailings Management System
The key to successful adoption of the system is in the ability to thicken the tailings to a degree that, upon discharge, would allow them to flow to a reasonable and predictable field deposition slope. Every mine produces tailings that have a unique relation between concentration of solids and deposition slope. This relation is the first parameter that must be obtained in order to establish the cost of providing thickening capability that will achieve the desired tailings consistency. In spite of numerous attempts, it has not been possible to predict the field deposition slope directly from variables such as grain size distribution, particle specific surfaces, consistency, and pH. However, the empirical laboratory determination that was developed by Dr. Robinsky and purchased by 3718573 Canada Ltd. provides the required relation, from which a design slope and percent solids may be chosen.
Services Provided
The following is a list of our services:
- Laboratory Tests and Laboratory Report.
- Tailings deposition tests carried out at Netherton-Robinsky Associates laboratories
in North Bay to establish a graphical relation between percent solids of the
tailings and the anticipated field deposition slope angle. This relation is
obtained from proprietary tests carried out in a deposition trough into which
tailings are discharged at different percent solids, revealing corresponding
resultant slopes. The above tests provide information for establishing the
optimum degree of thickening for sizing of thickening equipment. To enable
disposal volume quantities to be estimated throughout the duration of the operation,
the progressively increasing bulk density of the future in-situ deposit is
obtained in a large-size special consolidation device. This same device permits
the determination of the corresponding conductivity of the tailings for environmental
(seepage) considerations. The basic tests also include grain size determinations
to 0.002 mm, for reference and correlation purposes, and Atterberg limits,
if applicable, for geotechnical classification of the tailings. Finally, shrinkage
limit tests are to be carried out to establish the bulk density of the tailings
under the drying effect of the climate at the site. Shrinkage tests are particularly
significant for the well-drained sloped tailings deposits that are subjected
to natural drying conditions. For most projects, one or two 20-litre pails
of tailings is sufficient to carry out all the above tests. The sample may
be
obtained
from an existing operation or from a mineralogical testing laboratory for a
proposed project.
- It is normal for suppliers of pumps and pipelines to do rheological testing.
However, Netherton-Robinsky Associates Ltd. have often been requested to obtain
preliminary rheological parameters for the high percent solids often required
for a
TMS.
- Tailings deposition tests carried out at Netherton-Robinsky Associates laboratories
in North Bay to establish a graphical relation between percent solids of the
tailings and the anticipated field deposition slope angle. This relation is
obtained from proprietary tests carried out in a deposition trough into which
tailings are discharged at different percent solids, revealing corresponding
resultant slopes. The above tests provide information for establishing the
optimum degree of thickening for sizing of thickening equipment. To enable
disposal volume quantities to be estimated throughout the duration of the operation,
the progressively increasing bulk density of the future in-situ deposit is
obtained in a large-size special consolidation device. This same device permits
the determination of the corresponding conductivity of the tailings for environmental
(seepage) considerations. The basic tests also include grain size determinations
to 0.002 mm, for reference and correlation purposes, and Atterberg limits,
if applicable, for geotechnical classification of the tailings. Finally, shrinkage
limit tests are to be carried out to establish the bulk density of the tailings
under the drying effect of the climate at the site. Shrinkage tests are particularly
significant for the well-drained sloped tailings deposits that are subjected
to natural drying conditions. For most projects, one or two 20-litre pails
of tailings is sufficient to carry out all the above tests. The sample may
be
obtained
from an existing operation or from a mineralogical testing laboratory for a
proposed project.
- Site Visit
- If the laboratory tests and an examination of the existing conditions (climatic
and topographic) indicate that conversion to the TMS would be beneficial,
practical and economical, a site visit by Dennis Netherton or project specific
senior associate is recommended to inspect site, discuss the TMS with the
operating staff, and
to answer any
questions.
- If the laboratory tests and an examination of the existing conditions (climatic
and topographic) indicate that conversion to the TMS would be beneficial,
practical and economical, a site visit by Dennis Netherton or project specific
senior associate is recommended to inspect site, discuss the TMS with the
operating staff, and
to answer any
questions.
- Feasibility Report
- Study to Determine Optimal Disposal Capacity and Establish a Schedule for Discharge of Tailings
- An analysis is made of the topographic plans, site constraints, climatic conditions, and the schedule of anticipated tailings production. On the basis of this information, a site-specific study of tailings disposal is made in order to determine optimal site capacity. Volume storage determinations and slope angle studies are made for preparation of a schedule of Thickened Tailings discharge. Also included is a recommended generalized layout plan of proposed scheme, discharge system, water recycle positioning, dam locations and heights, and reclamation recommendations. The degree and timetable for the progressive thickening required during the life of the project is indicated, if appropriate. Generally, it will be found that the Feasibility Report is sufficiently detailed for the general consultant, client, or general contractor to obtain a cost estimate, and produce a final design report.
- Study to Determine Optimal Disposal Capacity and Establish a Schedule for Discharge of Tailings
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