Figure 3 – Viper™ Bench Test Rig Based on a preliminary evaluation of the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) for both Sample_01_BL and Sample_02_NC, specific operational parameters were optimized to maximize the filtration rate and achieve the target moisture reduction. This standardization ensures that the measured improvements in dewatering kinetics are a direct result of the integrated circuit's material characteristics. 3. RESULTS The particle size distribution (PSD) analysis reveals a distinct shift in the physical characteristics of the tailings generated by the CPF circuit compared to the current operational baseline. Sample_02_NC represents a significantly coarser tailings stream than the Sample_01_BL baseline across the entire measured spectrum (Figure 4). Specifically, the CPF tailings exhibit a P80 of 395 μm, whereas the baseline operation produces a much finer P80 of 147 μm. Furthermore, at the 100 μm threshold, the cumulative passing fraction was reduced from 74% in the baseline to only 37% in the integrated stream. This pronounced upward shift in the particle size profile indicates that the Coarse Waste Rejection (CWR) stage successfully recovers or redirects coarser fractions that are typically lost to the fine 'slimes' in conventional circuits. From a dewatering and disposal perspective, this engineered PSD is highly advantageous; the reduction in the fine fraction inherently increases the porosity of the filter cake, facilitating higher filtration rates and enhancing the long-term structural integrity of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). Figure 4 – Comparative particle size distribution (PSD) of Sample 01 (Baseline) and Sample 02 (NovaCell™ CWR) tailings. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 10 100 1000 Cumulative Undesize (%) Particle Size (μm) PSD Sample_02_NC
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