The technology for treating tailings is (in principle) remarkably simple. A tailings stream is mixed with a salt and polymer. The vial tests above show that mature fine tailings (MFT) from Canadian oil sands operations can be successfully consolidated using this combination, while polymer alone and salt alone are either ineffective or give poor results. There are subtleties, of course, particularly when it comes to the interplay between the choice of salt and polymer, but that necessitates a more specific discussion!

Particle size and particle size distribution plays a huge role in how we apply the technology. In that regard, MFT remain the most difficult material we have had to deal with so far. Accordingly, a description of how we think the technology works with particular emphasis on tailings with a high clay content  is  presented in a set of Power Point slides that can be accessed by clicking on the button below. We have also put together an interactive flow chart for how we think the technology can be applied that allows an estimate of materials and water management costs – click on “Flow Sheet Calculators” in the menu! 

We have applied our technology to tailings from a number of different tailings streams and slurries.  One example is the copper tailings  shown in the video below. A second example is waste slurries from coal washing operations, also summarized in a small set of Power Point slides. A flow chart for this type of tailings treatment can also be accessed in the “Flow Sheet Calculators” section.