Item Restricted to University of Alberta Users

Log In with CCID to View Item
Usage
  • 185 views
  • 4 downloads

Concepts for Co-Mixing of Tailings and Waste Rock

  • Author(s) / Creator(s)
  • The co-mixing of tailings and waste rock involves the intimate blending of tailings and waste rock to create a new material (Co-Mix) with superior physical and hydraulic properties. The new material has a low hydraulic conductivity, low compressibility, high water retaining capacity and high shear strength. Co-mixed tailings and waste rock restrict oxygen entry and water seepage to minimise acid generation and metal leaching. When compacted, Co-Mix materials have low volume change characteristics with respect to total stress and matric suction together with high shear strength. Co-mixed tailings and waste rock may be used to construct cover systems, internal barriers and seals, confinement structures or a full depth waste repository. The theoretical properties of Co-Mix blends are investigated. The results of a laboratory program to characterise the physical and hydraulic properties of co-mixed tailings and waste rock are presented. Various ratios of tailings were blended with different waste rock materials. Hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted at confining pressures ranging between 0 and 400 kPa. The saturated hydraulic conductivity for the Co-Mix materials was found to vary between 4 × 10-5 m/s and 5 × 10-9 m/s depending on blend ratio, waste rock type and confining pressure. These results together with other physical properties show excellent hydraulic and strength characteristics can be achieved for Co-Mix materials.

  • Date created
    2003
  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Type of Item
    Article (Published)
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-erk2-re46
  • License
    Use of this product is restricted to current faculty, staff, and students of the University. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that he or she uses this product for individual, non-commercial educational or research purposes only, and does not systematically download or retain substantial portions of information. Users may not reproduce or redistribute unprocessed/raw data portions of the data to any third party, or otherwise engage in the systematic retransmission or commercialization of the data.