Correlations for mine tailings consolidation parameters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Because of the excessive time required for the determination of the compressibility and permeability of fine mine tailings, estimates of the volume required for the storage of such tailings are often based on very limited data. Correlations based on the index properties of mine tailings are presented that enable reliable estimates of the required parameters to be obtained rapidly. The index properties themselves may be determined within a week using small quantities of tailings. The correlations are based on data for disparate types of tailings and a variety of test methods. They are thus applicable to most mine tailings, but must be applied with caution to tailings in which chemical bonding may curtail consolidation or that contain significant quantities of relatively coarse particles or clays with fibrous particles.