Alternatives to Coal Mine Tailings Impoundment- Evaluation of Three Dewatering Methods at Rockspring Coal Mine

摘要

In 2008, Alpha Natural Resources initiated investigations to determine the most desirable technology to facilitate the continuation of fine tailings disposal and water management at the Trace Branch tailings impoundment site during the capping stage at the Rockspring coal preparation plant. This 1800 ton per hour thermal coal facility was nearing capacity of its existing tailings impoundment and needed to determine and evaluate alternative methods to increase impoundment capacity and improve water management. This paper discusses the findings of various assessments and trade off studies that resulted in a decision to install eight three-meter belt presses capable of dewatering 180 tons per hour of tailings solids in a slurry so they could be mixed with coarse material and used as capping material.