Proposal model for optimizing the life cycle of thickened tailings deposits

Abstract

This work proposes a planning methodology that optimizes the life cycle of thickened tailings deposits,
specifically the Centinela Mine thickened tailings deposit owned by Antofagasta Minerals. The methodology
included metallurgical concepts, heuristics methods, integer programming and CAD tools for tailings 3D
modeling. The thickened tailing deposit was first geometrically characterized, considering its slopes and
volumetric capacities in its different sectors. Then, a relationship between the rheological characteristics
of the tailings slurry and the beach slope in the deposit was proposed. For this, online data and laboratory
tests results analysis were carried out. As a consequence, it was possible to create a tool that calculates
the life cycle of the deposit by entering data of nominal, pessimistic or optimistic entries. In addition to
that, it allows obtaining the history of the already deposited tailings to facilitate operational follow-up.
The results show the maximum possible capacity that could be attained by improving surface shape
optimization. Finally, a planning methodology, adaptable to changing conditions is generated, with the main objective of defining where to discharge tailings, based on the slopes and available capacities
of the deposit and the rheological characteristics of the tailings slurry, thus maximizing the use of the
different areas of the deposit.