Filtered tailings in Western Australian iron ore projects — comparison of filtered tailings with other tailings disposal methods

The opportunity to utilise innovative techniques to improve mining project outcomes is now more favourably viewed when conducting feasibility studies. One option that has been studied is the use of filtered tailings with the tailings being disposed in an integrated waste landform, i.e. allowing a form of co-disposal. The tailings are de-watered using a filter system and delivered to the tailings storage site via a truck operation or utilising conveyor systems. De-watering the tailings in the plant to produce filtered tailings, at around 80% solids, reduces water consumption for the project. Another advantage of filtered tailings is the placement of tailings at higher density allowing smaller disposal footprint areas when compared with more traditional options. This paper presents a case study including financial analyses and compares filtered tailings and thickened tailings options. One of the main aspects investigated by this paper is water conservation and the cost of water.