Predicted and Field-Measured Resuspension of Flooded Mine Tailings
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 4
Abstract
Shallow water covers are often implemented over sulphide-bearing mine tailings to reduce oxygen uptake by the tailings and, consequently, acid generation. At some sites, however, wind-induced waves could resuspend the tailings and possibly impact the quality of the overlying water cover. Wind-induced resuspension was investigated for a base metal mine site using published semiempirical predictive methods, measured tailings properties, and field measurements. The results of the predictions were compared with field measurements. Tailings erosion occurred when the bed shear stress due to the wave-induced oscillatory flow and countercurrent flow exceeded the measured critical shear stress, of the tailings. For this site and for the maximum hourly average wind speed of 10 m/s observed during the study, the critical depth for tailings resuspension was predicted to be 1.18–1.34 m. Field data suggested that tailings resuspension occurred primarily in parts of the tailings pond where the water cover depth was 1 m or less. Following erosion and resuspension, tailings were carried by surface drift current and bottom return currents to deeper locations.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 128 • Issue 4 • April 2002
Pages: 341 - 351
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 25, 2000
Accepted: Jul 13, 2001
Published online: Apr 1, 2002
Published in print: Apr 2002
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