Testing with Ciba® RHEOMAXTM ETD has been carried out on two different dilute slurries. In the trials, the rheology modifier was added to a slurry containing coarse and fine fractions. Some co-settling of the coarse and fine was observed, but more significantly, there were discrete layers of the coarse fraction left through the deposited material, providing horizontal drainage paths for rapid dewatering of the deposited material. The trial has proved that the Ciba® Rheomax™ ETD process is a suitable cost effective alternative to conventional tailings treatment and that thickened tailings can be treated via a series of deposition cells, from where they can be rapidly excavated and placed back along with the rest of the mine waste either in the cut or at the tip. The technology therefore appears to be universal in its application and independent of substrate type.

Reprinted with Permission from Ciba Corporation