Centrifuge Modeling of Deposition and Consolidation of Fine-Grained Mine Tailings

Mining activity produces increasingly large amounts of waste, usually referred to as mine tailings. The material normally has water content that ranges from 50 to 100%, due to extensive use of water during the mineral extraction process. Particle size ranges from sand to silt size. The tailings are most commonly deposited in layers and left to consolidate under their own weight. In this study, this process was modeled using a geotechnical centrifuge. Centrifuge modeling allows the evaluation of the consolidation behavior of an approximately 25 m high tailings impoundment deposited in five to six layers at the pumping water content. A new technique of monitoring settlement within the soil profile was established and tested. Pore pressure dissipation and shear wave velocity were also measured during consolidation. Results provide useful data for the assessment of the in situ behavior and the characterization of the material.