Beaching angles and evolution of stack geomoetry for thickened tailings - a review

Simms, Paul; Williams, Mpa; Fitton, Timothy; McPhail, Gordon

doi:10.36487/acg_rep/1104_29_simms

Cited by 19 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 19 publications

(43 reference statements)

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“…A comprehensive review and comparison of the methods of beach slope prediction and control of stack evolution was presented in a paper by Simms et al (2011), to which should be added the work presented independently by Li (2011) at the same forum. These papers presented the current status of different ongoing efforts over the past decade and longer by four groups of researchers and practitioners who have to some extent at least published on this topic in recent years.…”

Section: Beach Slope Prediction Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Putting beach slope prediction into perspective

Jewell

2012

Proceedings of the 15th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings

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The storage capacity of any given tailings storage facility (TSF) is a function of the volume available for the tailings for which the geometry of the final upper surface of the tailings is most important. One of the advantages that can be obtained from thickening tailings prior to discharge is that the tailings can be stacked at a steeper beach angle than is obtainable with conventional low density slurries. However, despite ongoing efforts by a number of parties, there is at present no universally accepted method available for the accurate prediction of tailings beach slopes. From an operating perspective, the tailings parameters relevant to the resulting beach slope can fluctuate significantly in the product delivered to the TSF and it is relatively well understood that the final beach slope can be manipulated by changes to disposal techniques. There are also newly emerging technologies that will enhance the dewatering of tailings at discharge and hence expedite the consolidation of the tailings that could well facilitate the development of steeper beach slopes. Hence, while the beach slope is an important parameter for the design of a TSF suitable to contain any given mass/volume of tailings, it may well be more important to understand the means by which the tailings parameters may be modified or the beach slope manipulated by the operators to achieve a reasonable design value than to develop a generic beach slope prediction model.

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Section: Beach Slope Prediction Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Putting beach slope prediction into perspective

Jewell

2012

Proceedings of the 15th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings

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“…In that same work Fitton (2007) presented three new beach slope models, all of which predicted a range of relevant beach slope data quite well, and certainly more accurately than any of those tested at that time. Simms et al (2011) carried out a predictive test of three models from the literature; Fitton (2007), a modified form of the McPhail (1994) model;and the Simms (2007) model. It was found that the Simms (2007) model was not applicable for predicting full-scale tailings beaches, but was instead suited to predicting initial run-out of slurry in an expanding blob, as well as the local sheet flow of tailings slurry that occurs in small areas on a mature tailings beach.…”

Section: 7mentioning

confidence: 99%

Paste and thickened tailings – myth busting and clarification

Fitton¹,

Seddon²

2013

Proceedings of the 16th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings

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It is the contention of this paper that there remains considerable confusion regarding the mechanisms and benefits of thickened tailings schemes. The terminology and interpretation of terms like 'thickened tailings' and 'paste' receive some consideration, in light of some observed contradiction in the industry. It is also noted that a number of tailings related misconceptions prevail amongst tailings practitioners. This paper attempts to clarify some of these issues, with the intention of dispelling some tailings myths. The subject of tailings beach slope prediction is one particular topic that deserves some consideration in the interests of clarity. A large portion of this paper is devoted to this topic, which has been approached from a number of directions over the past 40 years. Various prediction methods have been presented. Some prediction methods are analytical, with no need for any flume testing. Others have relied on a deposition test in a flume. The use of different types of flumes and deposition tests, either for providing validating data or input data, has created a great deal of confusion over what works and what does not, what is relevant and what is not. There has also been further confusion created by the presentation of the results, with some workers presenting fitted data as predictions. This paper discusses the mechanism of tailings deposition, with a view to evaluating the applicability of some of the approaches that have been presented. Various flume types and their relevance to the process are then discussed. Deposition tests and trials are also discussed in terms of the beach slopes that have been observed. Finally, some protocols are proposed for making the presentation of data more consistent and transparent.

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“… A tailings stack growth model based on sound principles. Of the three main models used to predict beach slope (Simms et al, 2011) none is strongly grounded in theory as they are based on Newtonian fluid assumptions. Consequently, they lack the ability to be readily adapted to new slurry and process conditions without extensive large scale testing due to the non-Newtonian behaviour of thickened tailings.…”

Section: A Process Strategymentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards an integrated approach to tailings management

Chryss

Fourie

Mönch

et al. 2012

Proceedings of the 15th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings

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Tailings management aims to dispose of tailings at the minimum cost consistent with meeting or exceeding imposed standards, including legislative obligations. This simple business objective requires managing the tailings storage facility (TSF) risks associated with surface water, groundwater, dust, sustainable closure and potential catastrophic failure. The individual nature of every ore body and specific site topography ensures that no 'one size fits all'. It has been suggested that paste and thickened tailings (P&TT) provides the ability to tailor the production and transportation of tailings to suit the deposition site, rather than the traditional approach of accepting that the deposition site has to accommodate tailings of high variability. While the traditional approach can be made to work, it is directly linked to the catastrophic failures of tailings impoundments, where large volumes of decant water have triggered failures due to overtopping, piping or slope instability, or saturated tailings have simply liquefied. P&TT offers an ability to mitigate these risks and when implemented into new projects with variable tailings streams there are significant benefits to be realised. The paper identifies the inter-dependencies between the various tailings disposal processes, such as thickening, pumping and deposition. It demonstrates that there are benefits in taking a more integrated approach to the design and operation of tailings disposal facilities. A collaborative industry project to tackle this challenge is described.

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Beaching angles and evolution of stack geomoetry for thickened tailings - a review

Cited by 19 publications

References 19 publications

Putting beach slope prediction into perspective

Putting beach slope prediction into perspective

Paste and thickened tailings – myth busting and clarification

Towards an integrated approach to tailings management

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