The balance of tailings storage facilities is of great importance in the management of mining operations. This balance consists of two components, namely the water balance and the solid balance. With regards to the water balance, it refers to the amount of water per unit volume of tailings storage facility, which is practical in two ways. Firstly, it affects the build-up of water pressure which, in turn, affects the stability of the facility wall, and secondly, the amount of water held in the facility determines the rate of solids deposition and sedimentation. For the solid balance, it refers to the rate at which solids are being deposited and sedimented from the tailings solution, which directly affects the pressure build-up, design and construction of the facility and stability at all times.
The efficient management of a tailings storage facility requires that both water and solids are in balance. To enable this, measures have to be taken which would ensure that the appropriate amount of water and solids are entering and leaving the facility in balance. For example, the amount of water from incoming and loss from evaporation should be controlled, and the velocity of tailings entering and the depth of deposition to be monitored. Monitoring the conditions of the facility through continuous measurement of the water level, oxygen content and, pH levels are also important.
Screens and filters must be used to remove oversized materials that may interfere with the water balance. Larger particles can impact the water velocity and deposit, thereby increasing the pressure on the wall. Engineering methods, such as the use of diversion dikes and service spillways, should be applied to ensure that the water level can be controlled efficiently.
The water balance in a tailings storage facility can also be managed by adding reagents to the tailings solution. This will affect the physical and chemical properties of the tailings, reducing settling rates and preventing water movement. Other process off-site, including dilution systems and blending of multiple tailings streams, may also influence the water balance. However, researchers have suggested that these measures may be insufficient and that sedimentation vessels and/or flocculation devices may be a more cost-effective option.
Finally, the water balance must be constantly monitored and maintained in order to achieve an efficient operation of a tailings storage facility. This can be done by measuring the water level in the tailings solution, and periodically adjusting the water and solids balance of the facility. In addition, the design of the facility wall and its stability should also be checked regularly to avoid possible blockage or collapse of the wall.
In conclusion, the water balance of a tailings storage facility is of paramount importance to ensure the efficient operation of the facility. Various methods, both on-site and off-site, can be employed to achieve an optimal water balance, such as maintaining appropriate levels of incoming and outgoing water, filtering out large particles, adding reagents, and implementing sedimentation vessels or flocculation devices. Regular monitoring and consequent adjustment of the water and solids balance is necessary to avoid blockage or collapse of the facility wall.
