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 Paste 2013 — R.J. Jewell, A.B. Fourie, J. Cadwell and J. Pimenta (eds)
© 2013 Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, ISBN 978-0-9870937-6-9

Comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened

versus slurry tailings

D. Johnson Golder Associates Ltd., Canada

R. Moghaddam Golder Associates Ltd., Canada
I. Bin Ahmed Golder Associates Ltd., Canada
C. Laroche Osisko Mining Corporation, Canada

Abstract
The conceptual design of a Tailings Management Facility (TMF) for the proposed Hammond Reef gold mine
in Canada investigated two options for surface disposal of tailings. Geochemical characterisation testing
indicated that the tailings were not acid generating or metal leaching. Bench scale laboratory testing of the
tailings’ rheological and dewatering properties were carried out to help define the properties of the
thickened tailings at 68% solids content (by mass). Tailings dewatering test results indicated that the tailings
could be efficiently dewatered to a solids content of 68% (by mass) using high compression thickeners.
Furthermore, rheological test results indicated that the tailings could be pumped using conventional
centrifugal pumps at this solids content. The results were used to support a comparison with slurry tailings
deposition at 37% solids content (by mass). Conceptual TMF designs were developed for each option to
comparatively evaluate the capital and operating costs of each option. The conceptual designs were based
on the tailings’ geotechnical properties, available site investigation information, and water management
requirements. The geometry of the proposed TMF site allowed for deposition of thickened tailings from a
central discharge location to form a cone. However, it was determined that slurry deposition would be most
efficient by end discharging from the north perimeter containment dam. A comparison was then made
between the volume of perimeter containment dam construction required for the slurry and thickened
tailings options. Comparative cost estimates of each option indicated that thickened tailings deposition was
more cost effective compared to slurry tailings deposition. Thickened tailings deposition was chosen for the
Hammond Reef project because it requires less dam construction, simplifies water management and has
other environmental advantages, including reduced risk of tailings dam failure.

1 Introduction
A comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened tailings versus hydraulic slurry tailings was
carried out for the proposed Hammond Reef Gold Project located near Atikokan, Ontario, Canada. The
proposed Hammond Reef open pit mine will process low-grade gold ore at a production rate of
60,000 metric tonnes per day. Approximately 245 Mt of tailings requiring 177 Mm3 of solids storage will be
produced over the anticipated mine life.
A site selection evaluation was carried out to identify a preferred location for the TMF, and the
comparative evaluation of thickened and hydraulic slurry tailings disposal was carried out for the preferred
site. The objective of the comparative evaluation described in this paper was to determine whether surface
disposal of thickened tailings or slurry tailings should be recommended for the project. The following
studies were carried out to support the comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened versus
slurry tailings:
1. Tailings thickening and rheology laboratory testing to determine the solids content ranges that
the Hammond Reef tailings can be thickened to using the various types of thickeners.

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2. Tailings geochemical characterisation tests to determine the acid generation and metal leaching
behaviour of the tailings.
3. Tailings geotechnical material property laboratory testing to determine tailings deposition
parameters.
4. Confirmation of tailings design parameters and storage requirements.
5. Flow modelling for both thickened and hydraulic slurry tailings parameters.
6. Development of conceptual deposition plans for both thickened and slurry tailings.
7. Preparation of comparative capital and operating cost estimates for surface disposal of thickened
versus slurry tailings.
This paper presents the results of conceptual engineering design and a comparative evaluation between
thickened and hydraulic slurry tailings disposal. For the purposes of this paper, comparative cost estimates
are presented as the relative difference between options (i.e. percentage savings). Finally, environmental
studies, including baseline monitoring and environmental assessment, were carried out to support the
development of the project and help select thickened tailings disposal, but these studies are not discussed
in this paper.

2 Tailings characterisation
2.1 Geochemistry
A geochemical characterisation program was carried out to determine the acid generation and metal
leaching behaviour of the tailings and to determine the expected quality of the water associated with the
tailings. The sample selection, collection, analytical testing and interpretation of results were consistent
with international guidelines (Price, 1997; MEND, 2009; INAP, 2012). The geochemical characterisation
program was also consistent with the requirements listed in Regulation 240/00 of the Ontario Mining Act
(Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2000).
The geochemistry analytical program consisted of the following laboratory tests designed to assess the
geochemical characteristics of the tailings:
 Elemental composition.
 Acid-base accounting (ABA).
 Net acid generating (NAG) testing.
 Short-term leach tests.
 Humidity cell tests (HCTs).
Results of the geochemical characterisation program indicated that the tailings will not be acid generating
or metal leaching.

2.2 Residual cyanide

Processing of the ore will include crushing, grinding, flotation, cyanidation-leaching, carbon-in-pulp gold
recovery, gold elution, gold electro-winning, smelting using an induction furnace, cyanide destruction and
tailings recovery. Cyanide destruction at the process plant will reduce residual cyanide concentrations in
tailings pore water to levels that comply with the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC) adopted
by the gold mining industry (ICMI, 2002).

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2.3 Geotechnical properties

To characterise the geotechnical properties of the Hammond Reef tailings, the following laboratory tests
were carried out.

2.3.1 Particle size distribution

The particle size distribution of the tailings was determined using the standard sieve analysis method
(ASTM, 2006a), followed by the standard hydrometer test (ASTM, 2007). The sieve analysis test was used to
categorise the particles larger than 75 microns while the hydrometer test was used to determine the
distribution of the particles smaller than 75 microns. As shown in Figure 1, almost 48% of the tailings
particles were fine-grained (i.e. silt and clay) sized particles and 52% of the particles were fine sand sized.
Using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), the tailings would be classified as silty sand (SM). The
D10 and D60 of the tailings are 0.003 mm and 0.110 mm, respectively, with a corresponding coefficient of
uniformity CU (D60/D10) of 36.6.

Figure 1 Tailings particle size distribution

2.3.2 Specific gravity and plasticity

The specific gravity of the tailings was measured to be about 2.7 (ASTM, 2006b). The Hammond Reef
tailings were considered to be non-plastic based on an Atterberg limits determination (ASTM, 2005).

2.3.3 Shear strength

Direct shear strength tests indicate that the Hammond Reef tailings have an internal angle of friction
greater than 35 degrees (ASTM, 2011).

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2.3.4 One-dimensional consolidation

One-dimensional Rowe cell consolidation tests were carried out on the tailings to determine consolidation
parameters, including hydraulic conductivity (Watters and Sheahan, 1996). Consolidation test results
indicate that the void ratio decreased from about 1.0 to 0.72 under a consolidation pressure of 800 kPa
with an average compression index, Cc, of 0.081, as shown on Figure 2. Bulk (wet) unit weight of the tailings
ranged from 18.5 kN/m3 (after initial drainage) to 20.4 kN/m3 (after 800 kPa of consolidation pressure). The
coefficient of consolidation, CV, decreased from 5.55 x 10-2 cm2/sec at 10 kPa to 2.83 x 10-3 cm2/sec at
800 kPa. The hydraulic conductivity of the tailings, calculated from coefficient of consolidation values,
decreased from 3.3 x 10-4 cm/s to 1.3 x 10-8 cm/s after 800 kPa of consolidation pressure.

Figure 2 Tailings void ratio versus log pressure

2.4 Thickening and rheology

The thickening and rheological behaviour of the tailings was characterised through a series of bench scale
tests. Settling column tests provided a preliminary look at the level of dewatering that could be
accomplished with the full mill tailings. Bench scale static settling test work was performed in two stages,
first in 500 mL graduated cylinders, to provide an initial assessment of the effects of the varying feed
parameters, such as flocculant type, flocculant dosage and solids feed density. The overflow and underflow
results were examined both qualitatively, for flocculated structure and size as well as quantitatively, for
underflow solids density and overflow turbidity. The second stage tested feed conditions that yielded a
more favourable underflow and overflow in 4 L graduated cylinders. Figure 3 presents results of a 4 L
cylinder settling test that yielded an underflow density of 68% solids (by mass) with a clear overflow. These
results indicate that the tailings can be thickened tailings to a solids content of 68% (by mass).

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 Comparative Studies

0.90

0.80 AN 905 VHM 30 g/tonne, 15 wt% Solids Feed

0.70

0.60
Interface Height (m)

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Time (min)

Figure 3 Tailings settling column test results

Rheological characteristics at a solids content of 68% (by mass) were then analysed for the alternative of
pumping thickened tailings. A Brookfield Model RS Rheometer with a bob and cup attachment was used for
the determination of dynamic yield stress and viscosity. Rheological testing was carried out to evaluate flow
and handling properties. These tests provide an indication of the material’s behaviour during mixing,
pumping, pipeline flow, and also while sitting idle in the pipeline. Rheological characterisation provides
data for the selection of process equipment such as thickeners, mixers, pumps, and pipelines. The pumping
characteristics of the tailings were assessed at 37% solids (by mass) for the slurry deposition case and at
68% solids (by mass) for the thickened tailings alternative.
Viscosity testing provides bench scale flow properties and fluid characterisation. Dynamic yield stress and
viscosity data is essential for pump and pipeline design. In order to compare or duplicate viscosity results of
non-Newtonian fluids, it is important to test according to the same conditions. Test conditions and
parameters such as cycle time and instrument sensor configuration are critical to producing usable data
from bench scale viscometers. The yield stress determined through this testing is referred to as dynamic
yield stress (presented on Figure 4) since it is extrapolated from dynamic shear stress data to zero shear.
The instrument sensor or bob rotated inside the cup which contained the sample and torque
measurements were recorded at several incremental speeds or shear rates. Dynamic viscosity versus
tailings solids content is presented in Figure 5.

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Comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened versus slurry tailings D. Johnson et al.

200
Bingham Yield Stress (Ramp Up)
180
Bingham Yield Stress (Ramp Down)
160

140
Bingham Yield Stress (Pa)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Wt% Solids

Figure 4 Tailings dynamic yield stress versus solids content

1.0

Bingham Viscosity (Ramp Up)

0.9
Bingham Viscosity (Ramp Down)
0.8

0.7
Bingham Viscosity (Pa S)

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Wt% Solids

Figure 5 Tailings dynamic viscosity versus solids content

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The particle size distribution, specific gravity, and rheological characteristics of the tailings were used as
inputs for the estimation of the pipeline friction losses. Well established predictive models provided an
initial assessment of the pipeline friction losses for both slurry and thickened tailings. In this case, the
methodology and heterogeneous suspensions described by Wasp et al. (1979) were used, where individual
particle size fractions are assessed and considered in the overall pipeline friction loss calculation.
The yield stress and viscosity values are insignificant even at 68% solids (by mass); hence the tailings are
only beginning to exhibit non-Newtonian behaviour at this solids density, and a slurry model, rather than a
Bingham plastic type model, may be more appropriate in evaluating the pipeline friction loss. With the low
yield stress and viscosity values, it became apparent that the project will be able to use centrifugal pumps
to handle both slurry and thickened tailings.

3 Tailings management facility design considerations

3.1 Site selection
A site selection study was carried out to evaluate five potential on-site TMF sites (i.e. within a 25 km radius
of the mine). Comparative order-of-magnitude capital costs for construction of tailings containment dams
and conveyance pipelines were estimated for each TMF site. Common costs associated with all TMF sites
were not considered in the siting evaluation. The following criteria were considered in the site selection
study:
 Tailings properties and storage requirements.
 Topographic containment.
 Potential for expansion.
 Distance from the process plant.
 Water management.
 Avoid the use of a lake for tailings disposal.
 Minimize footprint.
 Avoidance of potential ore reserves.
 Closure and post-closure costs.
Comparative evaluation of five potential TMF sites against the above site selection criteria identified a
preferred TMF site located approximately 8 km northeast of the process plant.

3.2 Tailings storage requirement

Approximately 245 M-tonnes of tailings will be produced over the projected life of the mine. Table 1
provides a summary of TMF design parameters for hydraulic slurry tailings at a solids content of 37% and
thickened tailings at a solids content of 68%. Based on the design criteria assumptions outlined in Table 1,
the volume of deposited tailings solids requiring storage in the TMF over the life of the mine is estimated to
be about 177 Mm3 for both slurry and thickened tailings options. This volume of required tailings solids
storage, estimated to be the same for both options, is considered conservative because it assumes a higher
void ratio than consolidation test results indicate. However, the pond requirements for water management
and reclaim are different for slurry and thickened tailings options.

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Table 1 Tailings management facility design criteria

Thickened
Parameter Unit Slurry tailings
tailings

Process plant production rate tonnes per day 60,000 60,000

Total tailings production tonnes 245,000,000 245,000,000

Solids content of discharged tailings % solids by mass 37% 68%

Specific gravity of tailings solids - 2.70 2.70

Deposited tailings void ratio1
- 0.95 0.95
(volume voids / volume solids)
Deposited tailings dry density1 tonnes/m3 1.38 1.38

Solids content of deposited tailings % solids by mass 74% 74%

Total required storage volume of tailing solids m3 176,944,444 176,944,444

Volume of water in discharged tailings m3/year 29,797,297 8,235,294

Volume of water retained in deposited
m3/year 6,157,407 6,157,407
tailings
Volume of water released from deposited
m3/year 23,639,890 2,077,887
tailings
Surface water runoff into TMF2 m3/year 6,539,984 6,539,984
TMF pond evaporation2 m3/year 1,132,600 1,132,600
Water pumped from TMF to process plant m3/year 29,047,274 7,485,271

Process plant recycled water requirement m3/year 22,794,932 7,411,765

Excess water requiring treatment/discharge m3/year 6,252,342 73,506

Notes:
1. Similar deposited void ratio and deposited dry density values were assumed for both options to estimate a conservative required tailings
storage volume.
2. TMF catchment and pond areas were assumed to be the same for both slurry and thickened options in the comparative flow models.

3.3 Water management

Process water transported to the TMF with the tailings, as well as precipitation that comes in contact with
tailings, must be contained within the TMF and treated before being discharged. For both slurry and
thickened tailings disposal options, there would be a requirement to divert clean water around and away
from the TMF to reduce runoff and water management volumes. A TMF designed for slurry tailings
deposition must provide sufficient water storage capacity to reclaim all of the excess water required to
transport the slurry through the pipeline to the TMF. Thickening the tailings at the process plant removes a
significant quantity of water that can be immediately reused in the process plant without being pumped to
the TMF in the tailings slurry and then back to the process plant as reclaim water. As outlined in Table 1,
water balance results for the slurry tailings option indicate that approximately 29 Mm3 of water would have

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to be pumped back from the TMF to the process plant each year, whereas with the thickened tailings
option, the annual water volume pumped back to the process plant decreases to about 7.5 Mm3.
Most of the tailings contact water reclaimed from the TMF will be reused in the process plant. Any excess
water not required by the process plant will be treated and discharged to the environment. A perimeter
seepage collection system consisting of ditches and pump stations will be constructed downstream of the
TMF containment dams for both options to collect and pump containment dam seepage back into the TMF
for reclamation in the process plant.

3.4 Tailings deposition

Conceptual tailings deposition plans for both slurry and thickened tailings options were prepared using a
computer model called ‘GoldTail’ that was developed by Golder Associates. A ground surface grid was
created in GoldTail using Lidar topographic mapping with 5 m contours. Different tailings deposition plan
scenarios were considered for each option to identify the optimum TMF configuration. For the deposition
plan models, tailings beach slopes for slurry and thickened tailings were estimated based on laboratory
testing results, empirical relationships, typical experience and professional judgement.
The expected deposition slope for slurry tailings was defined to be 1% above water and 10% below water.
For the slurry option, it was determined that a single tailings discharge point from the north side of the TMF
with a maximum final elevation of 481.6 m could achieve the desired tailings storage capacity (180 Mm3).
Multiple or perimeter tailings discharge points were evaluated but did not significantly increase storage
efficiency and a single deposition point is considered preferred from an operational standpoint. A reclaim
water pond with a maximum elevation of 450 m and storage volume of 5 Mm3 would be created in the
south part of the TMF, as shown on Figure 6. For the slurry deposition option, all perimeter containment
dams should be water retaining.

Figure 6 Slurry tailings deposition plan

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Comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened versus slurry tailings D. Johnson et al.

For the thickened tailings deposition option, the expected deposition slope was defined to be 3% above
water and 10% below water. A review of reported case studies and relevant project experience on the
variation of tailings depositional slope with solids content by Li et al. (2009) indicates that a slope of 3% can
be expected for thickened tailings with a solids content of 68% (by mass). Assuming a sub-aerial tailings
deposition slope of 3% for the thickened tailings option is considered reasonable for current comparative
evaluation purposes, however, further studies will be required to confirm the expected tailings deposition
slope for detailed design.
Deposition modelling determined that a conical discharge method with a central discharge point at a
maximum final elevation of 498 m was the most efficient method to achieve the desired tailings storage
capacity (180 Mm3). A water pond with a maximum water elevation of 443 m and storage volume of 4 Mm3
would be created in the south part of the TMF as shown on Figure 7. For the thickened tailings option, it
may not be necessary for all of the perimeter dams to be low-permeability or water retaining. However, the
southern perimeter dams containing the reclaim water pond should be low-permeability or water
retaining. With the thickened tailings cone, precipitation runoff will drain in all directions resulting in water
accumulation and ponding around the north and west perimeter containment dams. Discharging tailings
from the perimeter containment dams at these north and west locations to fill the low areas with tailings
would prevent ponding of water while providing additional tailings storage capacity.

Figure 7 Thickened tailings deposition plan

Cross-sections of each option are shown on Figure 8, and illustrate how a cone of thickened tailings with a
3% deposition slope can increase tailings storage compared to the slurry option with a 1% deposition slope.

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Figure 8 Slurry tailings and thickened tailings cross sections

3.5 Perimeter containment dam design

As stated in the previous section, low-permeability dams will be required for the slurry tailings option but a
combination of low-permeability and rockfill dams is considered possible for the thickened tailings option.
However, both low-permeability and rockfill perimeter dams must be designed to prevent any particle
migration by seepage flow. Therefore, transition/filter zones will be required to prevent piping or internal
erosion.
It was considered that seepage could be minimised through the low-permeability dams by using either a
low-permeability soil core or a geomembrane liner. In the absence of confirmed availability of low-
permeability borrow material (e.g. clayey soil), the comparative evaluation assumed that the low-
permeability containment dams would be constructed with a geomembrane (e.g. HDPE) on the upstream
face of the dam. A minimum upstream slope of 3H:1V would be required with a geomembrane liner.
To determine stable downstream slopes for the containment dams, slope stability analyses were carried
out for the most critical foundation conditions and the maximum dam heights. The maximum dam heights
in the southwest corner of the proposed TMF are 37 m and 30 m for the slurry and thickened tailings
options, respectively. The maximum dam heights on the east side of the proposed TMF are 25 m and 18 m
for the slurry and thickened tailings options, respectively. Slope stability modelling indicated that a
downstream slope of 3H:1V would provide sufficient slope stability for the foundation conditions along the
east side of the proposed TMF area. However, for the perimeter containment dams in the southwest
corner of the proposed TMF, a rockfill toe berm will likely be required to support the downstream dam
slope. Additional geotechnical investigation and stability analyses will be required for detailed design.

3.6 Tailings transport

The tailings pipeline design criteria are summarised in Table 2. Both the slurry and the thickened tailings
options will employ similar equipment. However, with the slurry tailings option, the transportation system
must handle over twice the tailings volume compared to the thickened tailings option. Consequently, more
tailings pumps, larger reclaim water pumps, and larger pipelines are required for the slurry tailings option,
as illustrated in Table 3. Although the bleed water from the thickened tailings option is minimal, a reclaim
water pump is still required to pump runoff from the TMF to the process plant for reuse and
treatment/discharge. It is important to note that in this conceptual design, the design consists of multiple
pump trains discharging into a single tailings pipeline. The distance between the process plant and the TMF
is significant and the overall cost of the tailings transportation system is driven by piping, insulation, and

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Comparative evaluation of surface disposal of thickened versus slurry tailings D. Johnson et al.

heat tracing. Therefore, minimising the piping will in turn minimise the capital cost. Future studies may
reveal that there are advantages to having a redundant pipeline or dedicated pipelines for each pump train
and fully evaluate the merits of pipe insulation and heat tracing.

Table 2 Pipeline design criteria

Parameter Units Slurry Thickened tailings

Design tailings throughput t/hr 2,944 2,944
Tailings solids density wt% 37 68
Tailings volumetric throughput m3/hr 6103 2476
Tailings pipeline length m 10,300 7,600
Tailings pipeline elevation change m 41 58
3
Reclaim volumetric throughput m /hr 4,222 1,146
Reclaim water pipeline length m 8,800 8,800
Reclaim pipeline elevation change m 10 17

Table 3 Preliminary pipe and pump selection for comparative evaluation

Component Slurry Thickened tailings

Tailings pipeline 914 mm nominal diameter 609 mm (24 inch) nominal diameter
Schedule S Schedule S
Tailings pump arrangement 3 trains x 3 centrifugal pumps 2 trains x 3 centrifugal pumps plus 1
plus 1 train x 3 pumps standby train x 3 pumps standby
(12 pumps total) (9 pumps total)
Reclaim water pipeline 914 mm nominal diameter DR17 457 mm (18 inch) nominal diameter
DR17
Reclaim water pump 2 operating, 1 standby 1 operating, 1 standby
arrangement vertical turbine pumps Vertical turbine pumps

The design criteria illustrate that there are subtle differences in equipment configuration between the two
options. Most notably, the tailings pipeline length. With the slurry tailings option, it is envisioned that the
deposition would take place at the north end of the TMF. In contrast, with a thickened tailings pipeline, a
central cone discharge point is proposed, reducing the tailings pipeline length but with a higher ultimate
discharge elevation. The thickened tailings pipeline to the central deposition location would likely be placed
along an access road constructed of waste rock that would be raised continuously during operations.
Detailed design will determine the final pipeline arrangement and support details.

3.7 Closure
Closure of the TMF is expected to involve vegetation of the tailings surface, decommissioning of pipelines
and modifying surface water drainage for long-term post-closure conditions. Because the tailings are not
acid generating or metal leaching, long-term operation of a water treatment system is not expected.
Thickened tailings would likely provide a more trafficable surface for construction equipment to implement
closure measures and are therefore considered easier to rehabilitate for site closure. However, for
comparative evaluation purposes we have assumed that closure measures and costs for both options
would be similar.

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4 Comparative evaluation of thickened tailings versus slurry

Conceptual TMF designs were developed for each option to comparatively evaluate the capital and
operating costs of each option. The conceptual designs were based on the tailings geotechnical properties,
available site investigation information, mine operating parameters and water management requirements.
The geometry of the proposed TMF site allowed for deposition of thickened tailings from a central
discharge location to form a cone. However, it was determined that slurry deposition would be most
efficient by end discharging from the north end of the TMF. A comparison of perimeter containment dam
volume was then made between the slurry and thickened tailings options.

4.1 Perimeter containment dam volume

Comparative construction material quantity estimates were prepared for the TMF perimeter containment
dams for each option. The total dam volume required for the slurry option was estimated to be
approximately 19.6 Mm3, whereas the estimated total dam volume required for the thickened tailings
option decreases to approximately 11.7 Mm3, representing a 40% savings in dam construction capital cost
compared to the slurry option.

4.2 Tailings and reclaim water pumping

Comparative capital cost estimates for major equipment including pumps, piping, insulation, and heat
tracing were prepared based on previous experience and quotes from vendors and suppliers. Pump costs
were scaled to include the foundation, installation, and associated piping and valves. Building costs to
house the pumps and other services (e.g. gland water, compressed air, and power) were not included, as it
was assumed that the pumps would be housed within the process plant building and were common to both
options. Factors were included for pump motor controls, transformers, main switchgear, electrical starters,
instrumentation and monitoring systems, which would include density, flow, and pressure measurements.
The pipeline and pump capital costs for the slurry tailings option were estimated to be about 50% higher
than the thickened tailings option. However, it should be noted that the pipeline and pump capital cost
savings could be largely offset by the capital cost of a tailings thickener plant (i.e. thickener plant capital
cost is the same order-of-magnitude as pipeline and pump capital savings with thickened tailings).
Pipeline operating costs include the power and maintenance (both parts and labour) to operate and
maintain the pumps. No costs were allowed for pipeline replacement due to wear, as it is assumed that the
equipment purchased will last the life of the mine. Annual operating costs for transport of slurry tailings to
the TMF and associated reclaim water pumping are estimated to be about 19% higher than operating costs
associated with a thickened tailings system. Operating costs for the thickened tailings option are less than
the slurry option primarily due to the smaller tailings and reclaim water volumes requiring less energy to
pump.

5 Conclusion
Based on a comparative evaluation of thickened and hydraulic slurry tailings disposal methods, it was
decided to proceed using thickened tailings disposal technology as the preferred tailings disposal approach
for the Hammond Reef project. The tailings will be thickened to about 68% solids content using high
compression thickeners prior to being pumped to the TMF. This technology will reduce containment dam
construction and pumping requirements. Thickened tailings are less likely to segregate and generally have
better overall strength characteristics compared to conventional hydraulic slurry tailings. In addition,
thickened tailings disposal greatly simplifies water management and reduces the overall risks typically
associated with conventional slurry tailings disposal. Another key advantage of thickened tailings is that
they are generally easier to rehabilitate for site closure. All of these benefits associated with thickened
tailings disposal, including reduced capital and operating costs, are expected to benefit the Hammond Reef
project.

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Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Osisko Mining Corporation for permission to reference the Hammond Reef
Gold Project and related data in the paper.

References
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