WHAT WE DO

Courses & Training

We are committed to sharing our specialist knowledge and skills by hosting annual courses that provide participants with a sound theoretical and practical understanding of slurry pipeline systems, paste and thickened tailings, and the design and operation of mine backfill systems

Slurry Pipeline Principles and Applications: The first course on The Design of Slurry Pipeline Systems was presented in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1995 and has since then been attended by more than 1400 delegates.

The four-day course is accredited for Continuing Professional Development with the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). Starting as a fundamental design course, the content has evolved based on feedback from delegates and shifted the emphasis from the more theoretical aspects of slurry pipeline design to include additional practical content which focuses on a wide range of slurry pipeline applications.

Filtered, Paste, and Thickened Tailings: This course was first held in 2008 in Denver, Colorado, to address the requirements for the successful implementation of filtered, paste, and thickened tailings systems. These technologies are dependent on a sound understanding of slurry colloidal behaviour, thickening and thickener operation, filtration, rheology, pump, and pipeline transport systems, and conveyor transport and disposal methodologies.

The course, held in person annually, provides delegates with a thorough background to this field and better equips them to successfully implement filtered, paste and thickened tailings systems.

Mine Backfill - Design and Operation: This annual course is normally offered over three days and often includes a site visit on the fourth day, depending on where the course is held. The course was first presented in Spain in 2014 and then regularly in Sudbury, Canada since then. It is also held in various other countries on demand.

On completion of the course, delegates will have an appreciation for the requirements of the design and operation of a safe and reliable backfill system and will have a unique opportunity to study the theory, testing, practical design, and operational aspects required to implement a new backfill system or improve an existing operation.

On-Site Courses: We regularly provide site-specific courses and on-site training. Courses and training can be tailored to suit the needs of the client and include operator training for the systems we design and commission, and training for metallurgists and engineers on improving thickener performance, pipeline performance, and operation of the backfill system.

UP NEXT

Our scheduled courses

Slurry Pipeline Principles & Application Course - Cape Town, March 2024

The next course will be held from 12 - 15 March 2024  in Cape Town, South Africa. Download the Course Brochure to find out more and to register.

Filtered, Paste & Thickened Tailings Course - Colorado, June 2024

The next course will be held from 11 - 14 June 2024  at the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA. Download the Course Brochure to find out more and to register.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

Life at Paterson & Cooke

Since 1991, we have built a business based on people. Our strength lies in the intellect, commitment and creativity of the people who work for P&C. Our culture is based on respect for one another and for our clients. This is captured in our values, which include integrity, passion, excellence, responsibility, and accountability.

Life at P&C remains true to our founding purpose: To create technically fulfilling and financially rewarding careers for everyone who works for P&C.