Production of paste from fine tailings streams in a laboratory scale column thickener

Abstract The final disposal of tailings in the form of paste is a technological alternative. The objective of the present study is to obtain knowledge and compare different operational conditions that are favorable to the production of paste with the fine tailings generated after final desliming stage, obtained from the processing of metallic and non-metallic ores. The sample tailings, despite having a specific weight and similar granulometry, presented different behaviors related to the formation of paste. The minerals calcite and dolomite were predominant in the phosphate tailings while in t...