Enhancing Filtered Tailings Implementation via Comprehensive Upstream Process Integration *J.C. Ccarita1, M.E.R. Saavedra2, O. Whatnall3 1Terrritory Sales Manager – South America, Jord International Pty Limited (*Presenting author: jccarita@jord.com) 2 Process Engineer – Flotation, Jord International Pty Limited 3Vice President, Americas, Jord International Pty Limited ABSTRACT In modern concentrator design, grinding and flotation circuits function as a deeply integrated, symbiotic system engineered specifically to maximize mineral liberation and recovery. However, while this front-end integration is highly optimized, the resulting tailings stream are often relegated to the periphery of process control strategies. This singular focus on flotation stability leaves the tailings stream prone to high variability, creating significant bottlenecks for efficient dewatering. Truly advancing filtered tailings technology requires a fundamental paradigm shift: expanding the existing integration of the concentrator to encompass the entire stream, moving from standalone dewatering units to a comprehensive upstream-downstream ecosystem. The core thesis of this paper is that the "filtration bottleneck" is actually an upstream integration problem. Downstream issues like cloth blinding or poor cake discharge are often just symptoms of upstream processes that are not optimized for waste management. This paper identifies the coupling of Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF) with high-capacity Filtration Technology as a primary pathway for process integration- a synergy exemplified by the combined application of NovaCell™ and Viper™ technologies. By functioning as a Coarse Waste Rejection (CWR), the circuit selectively recovers mineralized particles across a broad size fraction while generating a high-density tailings stream characterized by a superior Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and low clay content. This optimized, coarser fraction inherently possesses higher permeability and mechanical stability, significantly enhancing its amenability to dewatering. Consequently, the downstream filtration can more effectively leverage its vacuum and vibration to exploit this increased permeability. The result is an integrated solution that aligns process mineralogy with dewatering efficiency, offering measurable gains in water recovery, geotechnical safety, and lifeof-mine cost efficiency. KEYWORDS Liquefaction, Thixotropic, Vibration, Vacuum Filter, Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF), Coarse Waste Rejection (CWR). Dry Stacking, Coarse Tailings.
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