Effect of increased vertical stress on the state of grains in tailings
Effect of increased vertical stress on the state of grains in tailings
The mining industry has experienced rapid growth, leading to the accumulation of substantial mine waste, commonly referred to as tailings. Tailings are typically stored in tailings storage facilities, conventionally consisting of an impoundment surrounded by tailings dams. The construction of tailings dams can involve various methods, with the upstream method being commonly used in the industry. It is crucial to comprehend the long-term mechanical and geochemical behavior of deposited tailings to ensure the safety of upstream constructed tailings dams. The mineral composition, particle size distribution, and particle shape all affect the susceptibility to particle breakage or physical alteration. Therefore, there is an interest in understanding how grain size and grain shape relate to mineral composition and potential particle breakage to ensure the understanding of the long-term mechanical behavior. This study focuses on characterizing deposited tailings from various depths and investigates the impact of increased vertical stress on tailings, particularly examining the potential for crushing effects. The findings highlight the importance of considering these factors for a comprehensive understanding of tailings behavior and their implications for the long-term safety of tailings dams.