Sustainable Management of Thickened Tailings in Chile and Peru: A Review of Practical Experience and Socio-Environmental Acceptance

The “Thickened Tailings Disposal” (TTD) technology produces a high density mine waste that allows for the storage of this material without need to manage large slurry tailings facilities (TSFs) and dams. TTD has been applied considering site specific conditions Chile Peru, such as extreme climatic conditions, seismic risks, water scarcity, community demands, environmental constraints. This review highlights contribution several experiences in which have chosen reduction negative impacts, mainly focusing on following issues: (i) increase recovery, (ii) TSFs footprint (impacted areas), (iii) decrease risk physical instability, avoiding construction dams, (iv) seepages. Finally, article describes advantages (benefits) disadvantages (aspects improve) TTD, where nowadays degree dewatering is seen safe option, occurrence some TSF dam failures recently worldwide, resulted severe pollution. A better perception about authorities communities, satisfy needs stable TSFs, make be more acceptable, popular one best available technologies (BATs) operations with tailings.