Abstract
Vale’s Manitoba Operations currently use hydraulic backfill, comprised of classified mill tailings, to fill underground stopes at their T1 and T3 mines. A new sandfill plant was built to service the planned production from the378 area of Thompson Mine
Due to the distance of the 378 location from the existing T1 sand plant, studies showed that a new backfill plant was required to make backfilling of the 378 stopes feasible. Based on material availability, mill tailings dewatering capabilities, and the location of the backfilling, a hydraulic backfill plant was selected as the method of backfill. This plant will use a combination of alluvial sand and classified tailings for backfill.
This paper will provide a case study with regards to the recipe selection, plant design/selection, and commissioning of a new hydraulic backfill plant at Vale’s Thompson Mine. The laboratory testing, design, and commissioning experience will be presented along with the design criteria of the new plant.