How do you design a dry stacking facility for optimal water recovery and reuse?

2 Step 2: Choose the dewatering and transportation methods

The next step is to select the most suitable dewatering and transportation methods for the dry stacking facility. The dewatering method should achieve the desired moisture content and particle size distribution of the tailings, while minimizing the water and energy consumption and the maintenance requirements. The transportation method should ensure the safe and efficient delivery of the tailings to the stacking area, while minimizing the dust generation and the environmental impact. Some of the common dewatering methods are thickening, filtration, and centrifugation, and some of the common transportation methods are conveyor belts, trucks, and pipelines.

3 Step 3: Design the stack geometry and drainage system

The third step is to design the stack geometry and drainage system for the dry stacking facility. The stack geometry should optimize the space utilization, the slope stability, and the erosion resistance of the tailings, while complying with the regulatory and operational requirements. The drainage system should collect and convey the runoff and seepage from the stack, while preventing the contamination of the surrounding water resources. Some of the factors that affect the stack geometry and drainage system are the stack height, width, length, angle, shape, and orientation, as well as the drainage layer thickness, material, and configuration.

4 Step 4: Implement the stability and erosion control measures

The fourth step is to implement the stability and erosion control measures for the dry stacking facility. The stability and erosion control measures should prevent the failure and displacement of the tailings due to gravity, seismicity, or external forces, as well as the loss of material due to wind or water erosion. Some of the stability and erosion control measures are compaction, reinforcement, buttressing, berms, vegetation, mulching, and cover systems.

5 Step 5: Develop the closure and reclamation plan

The fifth step is to develop the closure and reclamation plan for the dry stacking facility. The closure and reclamation plan should ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the site, while restoring the natural or beneficial land use and minimizing the environmental liability. Some of the closure and reclamation activities are capping, grading, revegetation, monitoring, and maintenance.

6 Step 6: Optimize the water recovery and reuse

The sixth and final step is to optimize the water recovery and reuse for the dry stacking facility. The water recovery and reuse should maximize the recirculation of the water from the dewatering and drainage systems to the processing plant, while minimizing the fresh water intake and the discharge of excess water. Some of the water recovery and reuse strategies are improving the dewatering efficiency, installing water treatment plants, storing water in ponds or tanks, and using water conservation techniques.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?