Abstract: Lime neutralization is a frequently used method in the mining industry for the treatment of acid waters. These waters contain metal ions such as zinc, manganese, copper, cadmium, lead, etc. The conventional, straight lime neutralization technology generates a Low Density Sludge (LDS) having only 1-2% solids content. This creates sludge disposal difficulties, and results in the loss of potentially large quantities of recovered water, which in turn increases the demand for fresh water requirements for mining/milling activities. The High Density Sludge (HDS) process, on the other hand, is the state-of-the-art technology in North America. It generates a dense sludge with less volume and better particulate properties. Furthermore, the typical gelatinous nature of the sludge changes to a granulated, sand-like texture. Boliden Apirsa, S.L. investigated the feasibility of an HDS process to increase the treatment capacity of their existing plant, and resolve the issues associated with the LDS process for their Los Frailes project. The project required, given that the production of ore was going to be doubled, a significant increase in water was needed without altering the water reservoir sitting north of the concentrator. In addition, the final effluent quality was a priority issue. First, a pilot-scale study was undertaken in 1996, and parameters critical to the design and performance of the process were determined. The results showed that the HDS process could significantly improve the sludge characteristics by increasing the solids fraction from 1.5 to 12.0%, thereby decreasing the sludge volume to be disposed to the tailings ponds by a factor of 10. A full-scale, HDS lime neutralization treatment plant for an average flow rate of 1500 m3/hr was designed and was commissioned in early 1998 in collaboration with Colder Associates, Ottawa, Canada. So far, the full-scale treatment plant has been generating a sludge with more than 30% solids content, exceeding its target value of 12% solids. It produces excellent effluent quality, and scaling in the handling equipment is virtually eliminated. The sludge has dense, easily settable granular particles rather than fluffy flocs, yet has low viscosity that facilitates its unassisted gravity flow. The process has resulted in an increase in the treated water volume. The rate of lime consumption per unit volume of water treated also decreased. The process principles and the steps taken in process development will be discussed and the results obtained to date will be summarized in this communication.

Abstract: The Henty Gold Mine, located ill Western Tasmania uses innovative solutions to effectively manage a mining operation in an environmentally sensitive setting and has been presented with several environmental awards. Fill is required as part of the mining method to provide passive ground support, minimise rock exposure and ensure maximum recovery of the small but high-grade orebody. The use of the whole portion of leach residue in the backfill reduces the surface tailing disposal requirements. Therefore, High Density Paste Fill (HDPF) has been selected as the most appropriate fill method to meet these objectives. Additional benefits include the minimisation of excess water from fill and the subsequent need for the collection and treatment of water and slimes. There are minimal equipment requirements during placement, thereby optimising mine resources for production.