Backfill – Key Properties
When designing an underground mine, one of the key decisions is whether to backfill the voids left by mining. The backfilling decision is generally influenced by a range of factors which commonly include: Environmental constraints Surface disposal limitations Management of surface subsidence Promotion of mine stability Reducing the volume of waste hauled to surface Enabling … Read More
Backfill Cost Reduction: Designing Around Hydraulic Capability
The use of cemented paste backfill in underground mining is commonplace as a method for tailings disposal, rockmass confinement or minimising convergence between the hanging wall and foot wall of the operation. The application of a cemented paste fill can also enable greater extraction ratios within certain deposits, as ore that would ordinarily be left … Read More
Selecting Slurry Pumps Based on Operating Frequency Map
Many slurry pumping systems in the mining industry operate over a wide range of duties as processing requirements and material properties change. The pump selection must be able to achieve the maximum duty point, and often this is the only duty used for selection, which includes the application of industry standard guideline operating limits, such … Read More
Tailings Pump Station Layout – Planning for the Future
Paterson & Cooke is currently engaged on several tailings pumping system upgrade projects. These are typically associated with increased throughput requirements (associated with a plant expansion), increased pumping head requirement, (associated with increased pumping distance to a new tailings storage facility, or increased elevation on an existing TSF). A common feature on many of these … Read More
The Impact of Ore Body Variability on Mine Waste Tailings Disposal Systems
Ore body variability can have a significant effect on the various elements of mine waste tailings disposal systems, including: thickening systems, tailings pump and pipeline systems, and tailings storage facilities. Ore bodies that are exploited using open-pit mining methods often consist of softer, weathered, clay-containing material near to the surface (oxides), transitioning to harder rock … Read More
Project Engineer (Sudbury, Ontario)
Job Description The successful candidate will be a Project Engineer with 3-5 years of experience working in an engineering consultancy, industrial plant, and/or mine site environment. The Project Engineer will have a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, mining or mineral processing and should be equally comfortable working in an office or visiting mine sites. … Read More
Backfill / Process Operations Engineer (Sudbury, Ontario)
Job Description The successful candidate will be an Engineer with 5+ years of experience working in an industrial plant or mine site environment. The Backfill/Process Operations Engineer will have a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or mineral processing and should be equally comfortable working in a plant or underground environment. This position is part … Read More
Paste Backfilling on a Budget
Low Capital Investment Options to Support Mining Activities Paste backfill has become known as a superior ground support tool and mine waste disposal method, albeit usually one with a higher initial price tag when compared to hydraulic or rock fill. The capital costs associated with the implementation of a permanent paste backfill plant can put … Read More
Data Uncertainty Related To Backfilling Operations
A recurring problem in mining projects is the collection and interpretation of data which is applicable to backfilling operations in general. The basis for design is therefore compromised by external factors, so the design expectations must be tempered to give confidence to Mine Management that the design is robust. From an underground geotechnical engineering perspective, … Read More