Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 19.8.
Comparison of tailings embankment types (adapted from Vick, 1983).
Relative
Embankment
Mill tailings
Discharge
Water storage
Seismic
Raising rate
Embankment fill
embankment
type
requirements
requirements
suitability
resistance
restrictions
requirements
cost
Water retention Suitable for any type of
Any discharge
Good
Good
Entire embankment Earthfill, rockfill
High
tailings
procedure suitable
constructed initially (mine waste, filters)
or in stages
Upstream
At least 40-60% sand in Peripheral spigotted Not suitable
Poor in high
Less than 5-10 m/yr Natural soil, sand
Low
whole tailings. Low
discharge and well
for significant
seismic areas
most desirable
tailings, or
discharge solids content controlled beach
water storage
mine waste
desirable to promote
necessary
grain-size segregation
Downstream
Suitable for any type of
Varies according to
Good
Good
None. Often built in Sand tailings or mine High
tailings
design details
stages if rockfill
waste if production
is used
rates are sufficient,
or earthfill, rockfill
Centreline
Sands or low-plasticity
Peripheral spigotted Not recommended
Acceptable
Height restrictions
Sand tailings or mine Moderate
slimes
discharge of at least
for permanent
for individual raises waste if production
nominal beach
storage. Temporary
may apply
rates are sufficient,
necessary
flood storage
or earthfill, rockfill.
acceptable with
proper design details
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