Physical modelling of tailings consolidation near a waste rock inclusion

ABSTRACT: A laboratory physical modelling study was conducted to assess the effect of waste rock inclusion on the consolidation of tailings from hard rock mines. The evolution of pore water pressures during consolidation of tailings with and without a drainage inclusion has been monitored and analyzed. This investigation focuses on the evolution of tailings geotechnical characteristics (void ratio and volumetric water content), water transfer from the tailings to the waste rock, and movement of fine particles at the interface between the two materials. The experimental results demonstrate quantitatively how a waste rock inclusion affects tailings consolidation by reducing the pore water pressures with an accelerated water drainage.