Innovation in tailings dewatering: case studies of the successful application of filter presses

The handling, storage and management of tailings slurry has always been a complex field of scientific and engineering endeavour. The importance of correct design, construction and monitoring of storage facilities has increased tenfold in recent years, seeing new stringent international requirements being implemented to ensure adherence to the highest safety and environmental standards. The push for safer and more environmentally acceptable tailings storage facilities (TSFs) has also been a driving factor behind the development of alternative technologies and approaches for the storage of tailings slurries. Filtration technologies have emerged as one of the leading alternatives in recent years, being proven repeatedly to consistently and reliably produce a dewatered tailings material with the geomechanical properties required for effective handling as well as for long-term storage. This paper considers four case studies in which full-function, plate and frame filter presses have been successfully applied to tailings slurries of various commodities where the need for consistently low moisture, competent filter cake is required for downstream processes as well as the construction of dry TSFs.