Hatch has extensive experience in mine development and processes. In particular, Hatch is uniquely positioned to manage the demands of the sector.
We provide:
- Mine backfill project management
- Backfill delivery and distribution systems
- Thickened tailings and distribution systems
- Surface disposal systems
- Tailings paste-pumping systems
- Backfill geomechanics and materials testing
The need for a low cost/high-strength fill in mines, increased awareness of strict environmental regulations, and improved slurry-rheology knowledge are driving mine operators to consider using tailings as an aggregate for mine underground backfill. Paste backfill for underground mines is a management strategy that reduces surface environmental impacts.
Currently, ore-grade material is left in support pillars as part of the mining process. As mining moves to deeper levels, pillar-size increases. The use of the paste backfill allows more complete extraction of ore-grade material from the pillars. Mining using the backfill process can increase the extraction rate of ore-grade material from 40% to more than 90%.
Benefits to using paste backfill include:
- Higher ore extraction ratio
- Reduced dilution
- Improved geotechnical stability in the mine
- Reduced risk of rock bursts
- A way to dispose of waste rock and mill tailings, thereby minimizing surface disturbances
- Recapture of water for reuse in mining processes to improve water conservation
