Characterization of an Iron Ore Tailing Sample and the Evaluation of Its Representativeness

Abstract The massive annual tonnage of iron ore tailings, plus the more demanding environmental policies after catastrophic collapses Fundão Dam in 2015 and Feijão I 2019, have forced Brazilian mining companies to search for sustainable safer alternatives tailings disposal. industry has been studying dry stacking filtered tailings. Most seek development great stacks, over 200 m high, absorb whole generation. As assume a structural role, it is vital characterize stacks understand their behaviour. This study aimed index properties, evaluate effect compaction on hydraulic behaviour, field variability from mine Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil. Also, database properties Ferrífero was collected used results. Specimens were compacted 93%, 95%, 97%, 100% Proctor’s maximum unit weight, conductivity defined several confining pressures (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 1900 kPa) each degree compaction. Index studied tailing similar other proportional void ratio, tests indicated some both material stacked material. presented this supplies with reference point future projects.