43 Technical lessons from the case include: 1. Detailed characterization is essential: understanding tailings mineralogy, sulfide content and particle size distribution is a prerequisite for robust mix design, particularly in sulfide-rich systems. 2. Admixtures should be treated as design tools, not add-ons: the polymer admixture was not simply “added” to the baseline mix; instead, binder and water contents were reoptimized around its rheological effects. 3. Laboratory and field work must be integrated: laboratory results were used to define an operating window, which was then validated and refined in industrial trials under real pipeline and stope conditions. 5.3 Collaborative innovation and trusted partnership A key success factor was the collaborative way in which Nexa and Sika structured the programme. Rather than a one-off product trial, the work was framed around shared objectives and a joint technical roadmap. This allowed rapid feedback between plant operations, laboratory work and modelling, and provided credible data for internal decision making and external reporting. Such partnerships illustrate how suppliers can act as technology partners, contributing expertise and tools that help mines meet ESG and productivity targets, in line with the Congress’ call for cross-sector collaboration. 6. CONCLUSIONS The optimization of CPB at Cerro Lindo mine shows that: 1. Significant reductions in cement and water use, around 25 % and 7 % respectively, are achievable in sulfide-rich tailings by combining detailed characterization, laboratory mix design and polymer-based rheology control. 2. These optimizations can be implemented within existing CPB plant and pipeline infrastructure, while maintaining or improving pumpability and UCS at design ages. 3. The resulting improvements translate into material sustainability gains, together with greater underground tailings utilization. 4. It has been demonstrated economical savings due to cement reduction through admixture used. 5. Finally, the case underlines the importance of collaborative innovation between mining companies and technology providers to deliver faster, smarter and more responsible mining solutions that can be replicated at other operations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors acknowledge the operational and technical teams at Nexa Resources Cerro Lindo for their support during sampling, laboratory testing and industrial trials, and the broader
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