Comparative experimental study of consolidation properties of hard rock mine tailings

ABSTRACT: Tailings consolidation properties are critical parameters to estimate storage capacity of tailings storage facilities (TSF) and plan mine waste integrated management. In this study, consolidation parameters of tailings were experimentally evaluated using various consolidation tests, including column tests, constant rate of strain (CRS) tests and conventional oedometer tests. Column tests with an internal diameter of 10 cm and a height of 45 cm were used to determine the compressibility of initial loose and saturated tailings under incremental loadings, including compression index, Cc, coefficient of consolidation, Cv, coefficient of compressibility, av, and coefficient of volumetric compressibility mv. Pore water pressure at three different elevations along the column and the displacement of the sample were continuously measured during the tests. CRS tests and conventional oedometer tests were also conducted to determine the compression behavior of the tailings. Results obtained from these different approaches were compared and their reproducibility and precision were evaluated. Experimental procedures and representative results are compared, analysed and discussed in this paper. Recommendations are proposed regarding the choice of experimental approach depending on the application and field conditions.