Project Description:

Paterson & Cooke was selected by Newmont to design a paste system that would process dry-harvested tailings from a nearby tailing storage facility. In this project, dewatering was not required, but due to the fine nature of the tailings, a mix of aggregate and tailings was proposed. The plant blends a 60/40 mix of fine tailings and crushed aggregate together with cement and pumps the paste underground at a rate of 200 t/h via positive displacement pumps.

Paterson & Cooke led the engineering (process, mechanical, piping, and underground) and hired local discipline engineering consultants to work together. Additionally, Paterson & Cooke was retained to commission the plant and train the operators. Currently, Paterson & Cooke continues to provide regular technical support to the mine.

Services:

• Laboratory Test Work: Conducted tests to gather data on paste backfill strength for Newmont’s Paste Backfill Project, aiding in decision-making for preferable backfill mix designs to support the underground mining operation.
• Detailed Engineering Development: Developed engineering for a pumpable pastefill mix, specified plant components, and designed a system for underground pastefill delivery.
• Vendor Deliverable Review: Reviewed vendor deliverables to ensure they met project requirements and specifications.
• Construction and Commissioning Support: Provided engineering support during construction and assisted in plant commissioning, along with training operators and developing Operating Procedures.
• Backfill Management System Review: Completed a review and a gap analysis based on the review findings.

Paterson & Cooke works continuously with Newmont, to ensure that the pastefill system as a whole is set up to provide a safe, sustainable, accountable, and productive service to the Leeville mine.