Optimization of the use of waste rock inclusions in tailings impoundments to improve their short and long-term performance

该研究将侧重于尾矿和废石储存的创新方法，从而改善环境和岩土性能，从而减少与采矿有关的重大风险。该方法包括尾矿和废石的共同处置，使得更强、更渗透和更刚性的废石的连续夹杂物与尾矿沉积一起放置。夹杂物加速固结，加强蓄水，并减少破裂时释放的尾矿量。这一技术目前在加拿大Malartic矿使用，并正在考虑在其他地点使用。关于夹杂物的使用仍存在不确定性，包括例如评估和设计的分析和数值方法的适用性，以及实际考虑因素，如尾矿渗透到夹杂物中的量和影响。该项目的主要参考点将是加拿大Malartic矿目前正在建造的仪器化废石夹杂物。该研究将包括现场监测、实验室测试、物理模拟和数值分析相结合，其目标是：1）矿山废物表征和行为; 2）尾矿和废石在包裹体附近的相互作用; 3）现场监测和数据分析; 4）本构建模和数值模拟;以及5）夹杂物设计的优化策略和指导方针。该项目将持续4年，并将得到7个工业合作伙伴的支持，他们将提供120美元，2000美元的现金以及共计778 000美元的实物捐助。在研究过程中，共有25名HQP将接受培训，该研究将为采矿业和加拿大提供一种减少与矿山废物相关的地质环境风险的手段，并使加拿大保持在矿山废物处理技术的前沿。

The research will focus on an innovative method for the storage tailings and waste rock that results in improved environmental and geotechnical performance and thus reduces major risks associated with mining. The method consists of the co-disposal of tailings and waste rock such that continuous inclusions of stronger, more permeable and more rigid waste rock are placed in tandem with tailings deposition. The inclusions accelerate consolidation, reinforce the impoundment and reduce the quantity of tailings released in the event of a rupture. This technique is currently in use at one mine, the Canadian Malartic Mine, and is being considered at other sites. There remain areas of uncertainty regarding the use of inclusions, including for instance the applicability of analytical and numerical methods of evaluation and design as well as practical considerations such as the amount and effects of tailings infiltration into the inclusions.The primary point of reference for this project will be instrumented waste rock inclusions that are currently being constructed at the Canadian Malartic Mine. The research will consist of a combination of in situ monitoring, laboratory testing, physical modelling, and numerical analysis with the objectives of: 1) Mine waste characterization and behavior; 2) Tailings and waste rock interaction near inclusions; 3) Field monitoring and data analysis; 4) Constitutive modeling and numerical simulations; and 5) Optimization strategy and guidelines for the design of inclusions.The project will have a duration of 4 years and will be supported by 7 industrial partners who will be contributing $120,00 in cash annually as well as a total of $778,000 of in-kind contributions. A total of 25 HQP will be trained over the course of the research.The research will benefit the mining industry and Canada by providing a means to reduce the geoenvironmental risks associated with mine wastes and by keeping Canada at the forefront of mine wastes disposal technology.