Mine Tailings as Aggregate
Mine Tailings as Aggregate
(OP)
I am working on a mine tailings reclamation project, and am considering using the tailings as aggregate in a soil cement channel lining. Does anyone have any experience with, or know of any good references regarding the use of mine tailings as aggregate? I am particularly interested in tests for chemical compatibility.
Any input is appreciated.
James Peck
Any input is appreciated.
James Peck





RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate
RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate
It was a notoriously difficult material to work with. It required significant drying, blending and testwork to ensure consistancy.
RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate
RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate
SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration - www.smenet.org) has a number of publications which address tails characteristics. If these are relatively 'clean', sans slimes and clays, they may do. Often, metallic mineralization and attendant rock alteration result in significant fines and clay fraction by the time one has ground the host rock to something which will allow liberation of the metal. Think mill slimes. You may not have too much success in developing flow through them, though piping alongside can be a snap. They also are relatively easy to excavate and one build wick drains or channels using geotextiles.
These are a couple of ways of looking at the problem... . I wish you success with the problem.
Ralph R. Sacrison
Sacrison Engineering
www.sacrison-engineering.com
RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate
If the tailings are from a dry pond, excavation will result in varying particle size distributions. A laser analyser will help to classify the material. In general, coarse tailings will produce higher strengths, look for material with less than 10 - 20% passing 20 um if possible. If the material is to be pumped, typically 15% passing 20 um produces a good carrier fluid.
Some minerals such as gypsum, ettringite & jarosite attack cement bonds over time. Early strengths can be misleading.
Good luck,
Ryan
RE: Mine Tailings as Aggregate