Review of alternative dewatering technologies for application to South African platinum tailings

The consideration of alternative tailings management technologies is becoming increasingly important in the mining industry. A combination of factors drives this, including changes in legislation and standards, as well as increased focus on the safety of surrounding communities. The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) has been developed as part of the industry commitment to strive for reduced overall risks, potential threats, hazards and impacts (including harm to people and the environment) (International Council on Mining & Metals [ICMM] 2020). Several mining companies have committed to voluntary conformance to the GISTM worldwide and are already working to align current and future operations with the standard. The GISTM is particularly relevant to South African operators because local legislation is expected to be revised to align with the GISTM as minimum standards of international good practice are adopted. Dewatering technologies are being developed at a fast pace, and the improved performance and throughput of equipment has the potential to make new types of tailings disposal systems feasible. A discussion of the performance of alternative tailings dewatering technology options for South African platinum tailings and the potential impact on the multi-criteria analysis used to select new systems is presented. Various thickening and filtration technology options are considered, along with the implications for transportation, placement and platinum tailings storage facilities design.