Mine waste management explored
Thursday, 08 March, 2007
A seminar to explore how paste and thickened tailings can assist mine waste management will be hosted by the Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), University of Western Australia.
More than 250 local and international senior mining company personnel, environmental managers, consultants and research staff will discuss the issue at the 10th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings at the Esplanade Hotel, from 13-15 March 2007.
"Our understanding of paste and thickened tailings (P&TT) technology is at a stage where innovative techniques for deposition of this mining waste product are being adopted and are providing significant advantages for the environment," Dr Andy Fourie, ACG's principal in environmental geomechanics, said.
"Many traditional tailings facilities have left unstable and potentially hazardous storage facilities behind creating rehabilitation difficulties. P&TT technology is not a panacea in all mining operations, but environmental benefits are one of many reasons why this technology should be evaluated. When whole-of-life costs are considered, the potentially high early costs involved more often than not become insignificant."
The seminar will address the latest technical issues confronting tailings disposal, providing a forum for the world's best research and practice to be disseminated to industry.
The big issues of site rehabilitation and closure, and the growing area of beach slope stability issues will be discussed in case study presentations.
The seminar will focus on the key aspects of P&TT such as implementing and transporting thickened tailings applications, defining rheology, feasibility studies, and safety and environmental considerations.
Keynote speakers include David Cooling, Alcoa World Alumina: "˜Improving the Sustainability of Residue Management Practices'; Lionel Pullum: "˜Pipelining Tailings, Pastes and Backfill', with opening addresses from Gary Bentel, BHP Billiton and Graham Ehm, AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd.
For further information, visit www.paste07.com.
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