Use of cement to reduce erosion of the slopes of mine tailings dams
Date
2008-12-22T09:46:27Z
Authors
Rankhododo, Nkhanedzeni Ernest
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Abstract
Erosion on the slopes of mine tailings represents one of the most important
environmental problems arising from the disposal of mine tailings. Tailings dam
erosion is the main source of pollution that contaminates agricultural land and
streams around mining areas. There is an urgent need to reduce erosion of the slopes
of mine tailings in-order to limit further devastation of natural ecology. The present
study investigates the possible use of cement to reduce erosion of the slopes of mine
tailings dams. The pinhole erosion test was used to measure erodibility of tailings
stabilized with cement. The strength properties of cement-stabilized tailings have
been evaluated by the unconfined compression test. Conbex and ordinary Portland
cement have been used for tailings stabilization, with contents of 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10%
by mass.
It has been established that cement can be used to reduce erosion of the slopes of
mine tailings dams. At least 3% by mass cement is required to produce zero erosion
loss. The resistance of tailings to erosion can be enhanced by increasing compaction
density, curing period and cement content. Ordinary Portland cement produced higher
strengths and erosion resistance than Conbex, although Conbex may be useful for
stabilizing fine tailings. Cement-stabilized tailings could be used to make bricks and
rubble for use in reducing erosion of the slopes of mine tailings dams. As little as
10% of cement is necessary to produce unconfined compressive strengths of 1600-
2600 kPa.
Description
Keywords
cement, mine tailings, Erosion, slopes, pollution