Review of the Combined Effects of Mineralogy and Particle Size on Tailings Dewatering Mechanism

The effectiveness of tailings dewatering has become a topic of increasing discussion in recent years, particularly in regions with water scarcity. Among many benefits, dewatering ensures the reuse of water and the stability of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). The tailings dewatering process is heavily influenced by the mineralogical composition and particle size distribution (PSD) of the tailings material. Much of the research on tailing dewatering has focused mainly on these factors in isolation, with very few studies considering their combined effect. For example, mineralogy influences the surface chemistry, rheological characteristics, and water retention capacity of tailings. Additionally, particle size affects the porosity, permeability, and compressibility of tailings. The multiscale interaction between these factors adds further complexity, as fine particles, such as clays, may adhere to the surfaces of coarser particles, modifying their surface characteristics and impeding water release. These interactions could be physicochemically complex, affecting the entire dewatering process. The review aims to offer an overview of the combined effect of mineralogy and particle size on tailings dewatering processes. It also highlights key gaps in existing research and encourages further study to enhance the understanding of the effects of mineralogy and particle size in tailings dewatering.