The preparation and transportation of paste backfill /

Paste backfill has recently emerged in the Canadian mining industry as a potential solution to some of the problems regarding the waste disposal of mine tailings. Surface disposal is costly and its potential harm to the environment is incalculable.Besides waste disposal paste backfill also produces a stronger fill resulting in less dilution, less cement consumption and less clean up costs. These savings can only be realized with an accurate implementation of the new technology.Presented is an overview of the current state of this emerging technology and the available equipment required for the preparation and transportation of paste backfill. It is hoped this work will provide the reader with a thorough grounding in paste backfill and enable him/her to understand that although large savings are possible the technology is still unproven within the context of the Canadian mining industry and further work is required before paste backfill becomes common practice.Economic analyses are also presented regarding the different applications of paste at either existing or new mineral developments. Results from strength tests carried out as part of paste backfill feasibility projects are presented and show the increase in uniaxial compressive strength associated with an increase in slurry concentration. (Abstract shortened by UMI.