Design of Tailings Facilities for Selected Mine
Tailings facilities form part of any mined ore processing system. These facilities are used to store and manage solid particles (tailings) generated from the processed ore. Tailings facilities vary in design and construction depending on the ore type, disposal method, environmental and regulatory requirements. This article presents an overview of tailings facility design specific to a selected mine.
Most mines generate tailings as a by-product of ore processing operations. These tailings must be stored safely and discretely in a closed loop of operations with no adverse effects on the surrounding environment. This involves the design of a suitable tailings facility with lined pond systems, tailings pipelines and related infrastructure. The main components of an effective tailings facility design can be divided into the following categories:
1) Process Equipment: Includes a primary crushing unit, a secondary fine grinding mill, a flotation system, sedimentation tanks, and leach pads. It is important to include appropriate process equipment in the design to ensure a safe, efficient and compliant operation.
2) Storage Basin: The storage basin must be carefully sized, shaped and located in order to ensure that the tailings are stored safely and discretely. The storage basin is typically lined with a geomembrane or a suitable reinforced concrete.
3) Drainage: Adequate drainage must be designed in order to prevent water stagnation and flooding. This involves an engineered levee system and open-cut channels to direct the flow of water away from the facility.
4) Reclamation: Tailings facilities must have a reclamation strategy in place. The reclamation design must be tailored to the specific needs of the site, the ore type and environmental regulations. Typical reclamation includes removing the tailings and cutting vegetation in the area.
In conclusion, the design of a tailings facility for a specific mine must be tailored to the needs of the ore type and the environment. The facility must be designed in such a way as to minimize environmental impacts, and ensure a safe and efficient process. The design should include effective process equipment, storage basin, drainage and reclamation plans. With careful planning, a tailings facility can add value to a mine and minimize adverse environmental impacts.
