ABSTRACT
A mine in northern Ontario Canada has been in operation for several years. The mine produces 1.2 Mtpa of nickel and copper ore. The facility contains a sand plant that has been in operation for 15 years. The current sand plant combines local alluvial sands, classified tailing and reclaim tailings to produce a cemented sandfill that is sent underground via gravity.
The current underground distribution system has been expanded and modified many times throughout the history of the mine and now has a total length of several kilometers. The mine operator has concerns regarding the pressure profile and flow regime of the fill throughout the reticulation system.
This paper will provide an overview and evaluation with regards to the operation of the reticulation system as well as the flow model and layout. It will highlight the pressure trends and indicate where the system can be optimized and modernized.
