Paste backfill design case study — Efemçukuru project

Authors: Treinen, JM; Cooke, R; Sutherland, D

Presented at: Paste 2010

Paper Abstract

Paterson & Cooke completed the basic engineering of the paste backfill reticulation system for Eldorado Gold’s Efemçukuru project in Turkey. This paper presents a case study of the project.

Test work was completed to characterise the paste flow behaviour and compressive strength behaviour. Hydraulic analysis and design, based on homogeneous slurry behaviour, allowed for the specification of the piston pumping requirements and identified potential problematic slack flow conditions. Operational, as well as seismic loading scenarios were taken into account during the stress analysis and mechanical design.