741
Tailings Dewatering: Process Optimisation from a
Water Recovery Perspective
Francesco Kaswalder
Diemme Filtration Srl, Lugo (RA) Italy
Andrew Hawkey
Diemme Filtration Srl, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
ABSTRACT: The management of mineral tailings is becoming increasingly challenging as the demand for
minerals rises and the ore grades decrease. An important aspect is water saving, particularly significant when the
mine site is located in arid zones or where water is expensive (e.g., at high altitude).
Filtration of tailings slurries increases the recovery of water and results in a significant improvement in the water
balance. The paper demonstrates, with the help of industrial case studies, which parameters should be taken
into account in the sizing and design of a filter press, focusing on the filtrate produced, the water balance, and
how the filtrate can be reused. The monitoring of the filtration parameters, by means of the industrial internet
of things (IIoT), will be presented, showing how its implementation can help to achieve stable performance by
the adjustment of process parameters in real time.
Keywords: tailings filtration water recovery IIoT
INTRODUCTION
The safe management of mineral tailings is still one of the
main challenges of the mining industry. The risks associated
with tailings dams have been well demonstrated by recent
failures causing significant harm to people and the environ-
ment. These incidents are not confined to any continent
or country and cannot be classified as a third world prob-
lem. Tailings dam failures have occurred at sites owned and
operated by prestigious mining companies with the highest
management standards. There is inherent risk in the tech-
nology and that risk varies with the conditions of the loca-
tion. Topography, climate, seismic activity and proximity of
residential areas can increase the risk significantly.
Pressure filtration and dry stacking has historically been
viewed as a premium tailings management solution and
favored when the risk of dam failure is increased by topo-
graphical challenges, very cold climate, frequent seismic
activity, water balance issues, etc. This paper aims to dem-
onstrate that this technology can be an important means
of minimising water loss and maximising water recovery so
that it can be reused at the mine process plant.
In regions with low rainfall or frequent droughts, the
cost of fresh water (or any water, regardless of quality) can
be very high. It’s desirable (or even essential) to recycle the
maximum amount of water in the plant rather than lose
it to evaporation in a conventional tailings dam. Pressure
filtration of the tailings will ensure the maximum practical
Tailings Dewatering: Process Optimisation from a
Water Recovery Perspective
Francesco Kaswalder
Diemme Filtration Srl, Lugo (RA) Italy
Andrew Hawkey
Diemme Filtration Srl, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
ABSTRACT: The management of mineral tailings is becoming increasingly challenging as the demand for
minerals rises and the ore grades decrease. An important aspect is water saving, particularly significant when the
mine site is located in arid zones or where water is expensive (e.g., at high altitude).
Filtration of tailings slurries increases the recovery of water and results in a significant improvement in the water
balance. The paper demonstrates, with the help of industrial case studies, which parameters should be taken
into account in the sizing and design of a filter press, focusing on the filtrate produced, the water balance, and
how the filtrate can be reused. The monitoring of the filtration parameters, by means of the industrial internet
of things (IIoT), will be presented, showing how its implementation can help to achieve stable performance by
the adjustment of process parameters in real time.
Keywords: tailings filtration water recovery IIoT
INTRODUCTION
The safe management of mineral tailings is still one of the
main challenges of the mining industry. The risks associated
with tailings dams have been well demonstrated by recent
failures causing significant harm to people and the environ-
ment. These incidents are not confined to any continent
or country and cannot be classified as a third world prob-
lem. Tailings dam failures have occurred at sites owned and
operated by prestigious mining companies with the highest
management standards. There is inherent risk in the tech-
nology and that risk varies with the conditions of the loca-
tion. Topography, climate, seismic activity and proximity of
residential areas can increase the risk significantly.
Pressure filtration and dry stacking has historically been
viewed as a premium tailings management solution and
favored when the risk of dam failure is increased by topo-
graphical challenges, very cold climate, frequent seismic
activity, water balance issues, etc. This paper aims to dem-
onstrate that this technology can be an important means
of minimising water loss and maximising water recovery so
that it can be reused at the mine process plant.
In regions with low rainfall or frequent droughts, the
cost of fresh water (or any water, regardless of quality) can
be very high. It’s desirable (or even essential) to recycle the
maximum amount of water in the plant rather than lose
it to evaporation in a conventional tailings dam. Pressure
filtration of the tailings will ensure the maximum practical