Field monitoring of an undercut paste backfill and implications for analysis and design
Mining underneath previously placed backfill can offer important operational efficiencies for underground mines. The paper concludes with recommendations for analysis and design of future undercut backfills.
by Amin Jafari
The importance of transient analysis in successful design and operation of underground paste distribution systems
This paper highlights the importance of incorporating transient analysis into the design phase of paste backfill distribution systems, particularly for complex networks with multiple discharge locations, elevation changes, or long pipe runs.
by Kelvin Creber
White paper: Portland-limestone cements in paste backfill – performance limits and hidden environmental costs
This paper re-assesses the role of Portland-limestone cements in cemented paste backfill by reviewing underlying mechanisms, published performance data, and environmental implications.
by Bruno Salvoldi
Interpreting laboratory liquefaction test results: the importance of confining pressure to unconfined compressive strength ratios
Laboratory liquefaction testing programs on cemented paste backfills have been based on methods used in conventional geotechnical earthquake engineering. The findings from this study can be used to better design future experimental programs to assess cemented paste liquefaction potential for projects both underground and on surface.
by Murray Grabinsky
An update to the Grabinsky et al. (2021) plug strength method
Grabinsky et al. (2021) proposed an analysis method based on a failure mechanism motivated by the Prandtl approach to design structural footings in clays. Read the update to this publication.
by Murray Grabinsky
Analysis of an instrumented tight-filling-induced paste containment wall failure and lessons learned for safe backfilling
This case study from the Jabal Sayid Mine demonstrates how operating procedures, and particularly a well-designed exclusion zone with catchment berm, successfully mitigated the consequences of a wall failure.
by Paul Carmichael
Case study: Media Luna paste system
Discover the unique challenges encountered and the difficult yet necessary decisions to ensure that Torex will have a world-class paste plant when backfill operations start-up in 2025.
by Brent Robitaille
Micro paste: producing paste backfill utilising ultra-fine copper tailings
This paper compares three case studies that explore test work on ultra-fine copper tailings with a significant micro-sized fraction, providing insights into the solutions for achieving effective paste backfill in these new mining environments.
by Bruno Salvoldi
Pressure filter collection systems: sizing and optimisation
This paper covers the surge discharge rate calculations and provides control considerations to reduce downstream surge requirements and considers both the advantages and disadvantages of the various control options.
by Matt de Boer
Review of alternative dewatering technologies for application to South African platinum tailings
Read this insightful paper on the performance of alternative tailings dewatering technology options for South African platinum tailings and the potential impact on the multi-criteria analysis used to select new systems is presented.
by Katie Wilkinson
Understanding rock mass–backfill interaction in support of deep and high-stress mining
Understanding how mining conditions induce closure onto backfill is essential, as is predicting the reaction of the backfill to passively supporting the rock mass. This paper introduces a new framework for backfill design incorporating closure conditions.
by Murray Grabinsky
Effect of paste pump performance on the transient pressures and forces in an underground distribution system
This paper discusses the fundamentals of transient analysis and how the paste pump selection affects both the design and operation of the UDS. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with key criteria to be considered before procurement of the paste pump and design of the underground paste pipeline system.
by Leslie Correia
A Holistic Approach to Large-scale Alternative Dewatered Tailings Management: Lessons from Case Studies
Large-scale alternative dewatered tailings applications are increasingly being considered in the mining industry in an era of water scarcity and focus on dam structural integrity. However, evaluating business cases for these applications is often ineffective when based on costs alone. This paper makes the case for a new, more holistic approach to create effective business cases for evaluating large-scale alternative dewatered tailings applications.
by Rachel Jansen
Best practices in continuously (or not continuously) pouring paste backfill
Cemented paste is established as a widely used backfill material. This paper explores best practices in continuously (or not continuously) pouring paste backfill.
by Ben Thompson
Case study: Holistic test work campaigns for tailings management system designs
Explore a case study of a gold mine in East Africa that highlights the importance of comprehensive tailings test work. This paper presents the laboratory test results on which the overall tailings management design was based.
by James Wickens
Design and commissioning of coal fly ash filter plant
This paper outlines the design process of a fly ash filtration, conveying, and truck loadout performed by Paterson & Cooke. Some vital issues discussed are deciding on what filter technology to use and designing to ensure continuous operation.
by Jason Hamelehle
Case study: Fruta del Norte paste plant
The design of this paste plant is unique, accounting for challenges in topography, a sensitive local environment and challenging feed tailings. Read more about the unique paste plant design.
by Leslie Correia
Optimal paste backfill specification development
The paper describes how, through the use of material test work data, relationships linking strength, rheology, and curing time performance criteria can determine the optimal paste backfill specification.
by Stephen Wilson
Potential errors in paste fill rheology measurements
There are many methods to determine the rheology of paste fill mixtures. This paper takes a closer look and discuss typical test results.
by James Wickens
Pressure instrument slack flow detection – three methods to determine flow status of a paste reticulation system
This paper provides details for pressure instrument slack flow detection and covers three methods to determine flow status of a paste reticulation system, including derivation, implementation, and comparison to operational data.
by Paterson Cooke
Reduction of strength losses in paste backfill with sludge cake
In a study by P&C for a future mine located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, an investigation into the addition of the mine waste water treatment precipitated cake (sludge cake) in the CPB was conducted in parallel to testing CBP without the inclusion of sludge cake (i.e. 100% tailings).
by Ignacio Bazan
Design Review for a Distributed Tailings Deposition System
This paper presents the methodology for distribution system deposition design review and its implementation of a TSF located in Southern Europe.
by Ignacio Bazan
Optimisation of cemented aggregate backfill at New Luika Gold Mine
This paper presents a case study of an optimisation of a CAF material by the addition of tailings in order to increase the paste fraction of the material. The main aim was to decrease the angle of repose to improve filling ability in addition to decreasing the required binder content.
by Bruno Salvoldi
One year of paste operations at Jabal Sayid, Saudi Arabia
This paper presents the history of the project, test work, engineering design and construction, commissioning, and training required to fill the first stope.
by Rob Brown
Evaluation of a non-Newtonian two-layer model for high concentration suspensions
This paper discusses the use of a non-Newtonian two-layer model to predict the pressure gradient of a high concentration suspension with a sliding bed in laminar flow conditions.
by Peter Goosen
Gwalia mine – backfill system operational review
This paper presents an overview of the review along with an assessment of the current and future reticulation systems, concluding from it a number of value-adding recommendations. Additionally, comment is made on best practice in paste fill system management.
by Stephen Wilson
A critical look at uniaxial test procedures applied in the backfill industry
This paper compares the most commonly used UCS test procedures. The paper will then investigate the effect of the most important parameters influencing test results, such as specimen shape, size and aspect ratios, by presenting laboratory test results for a specifically designed test campaign.
by Bernardt van der Spuy
Pipe loop tests at Codelco pilot plant
This paper describes the general configuration of the pilot plant, specifically the pipe loop tests.
by Lars Martinson
Thickened tailings – a water and energy consumption perspective
The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum thickened target density for the slimes generated by the pilot plant by considering both water and energy consumption.
by Angus Paterson
The pipeline transport of high density slurries — a historical review of past mistakes, lessons learned and current technologies
The objective of this paper is to address these issues by tracing the historical development of high density pumping and why the problems of the past are not necessarily the same problems of today.
by Angus Paterson
Paste backfill design case study — Efemçukuru project
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.
by Robert Cooke
Energy induced rheology reduction of flocculated thickened tailings — pipeline system design methodology
This case study from the Jabal Sayid Mine demonstrates how operating procedures, and particularly a well-designed exclusion zone with catchment berm, successfully mitigated the consequences of a wall failure.
by Robert Cooke
Shear and Rheology Reduction for Flocculated Thickened Tailings
This paper presents the test work results with the purpose of initiating discussion regarding the importance of conditioning flocculated high density thickened tailings to minimise rheology for pumping and pipeline transportation.
by Carlos Salinas
Co-Disposal Plant and Distribution System to Allow the Proper Closure of Exxaro’s Hillendale Mine Site
This paper is a case study of the design, construction and commissioning of the Exxaro’s Hillendale Mine Site.
by Julian Rusconi
High Concentration Tailings Transportation System Optimisation
This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to determine the optimum concentration for a high concentration tailings transportation system.
by Robert Cooke
Determining the Optimum Location of a High Rate Thickener for a Thickened Tailings System
This paper presents a cost comparison between pumping large volumes of dilute thickener feed to a remote thickener located at the tailings storage facility (TSF), and using high pressure positive displacement pumps pumping thickened tailings from a thickener located at the process plant to the tailings residue facility.
by Angus Paterson
Cabildo Mine Backfill System
The paper presents a study conducted to establish the feasibility of placing tailings into the mine voids.
by Ray Martinson