Field properties and performance of surface paste disposal

A significant amount of tailings with a high content of cyanide or sulphur arises from the beneficiation process of metallic mines such as gold, silver, copper, and lead. The influence of these hazardous tailings on the environment may have multiple aspects. The control and configuration of this kind of environmentally dangerous tailings in terms of isolation at disposal site, construction of impermeable layers, transportation from plant, stabilization, safety, their effects on water, and soil quality are the main parameters that could be considered carefully. In this context, tailings management are very important to selection of the optimum disposal method. Also, the some parameters such as physical and chemical characterization of tailings, properties of newly formed material (e.g. acid potential, stabilization, cost and applicability of the paste tailings etc.) should be evaluated. Safely disposal of mine tailings under surface conditions is of great importance in the aspect of environment.