| abstract |
The present invention relates to methods for dewatering tailings and systems for accomplishing this. In certain aspects, the invention relates to methods for producing a dewatered tailings waste or a stackable tailings waste, comprising subjecting the tailings to hydrocyclonic separation to produce one or more partially dehydrated underflows and a final water-rich overflow; separating the final water-rich overflow, by centrifugation, into a reclaimed water stream and a low-water residue; and mixing the water-poor residue and at least part of one or more partially dewatered underflows together to produce a dewatered tailings residue or a stackable tailings residue. |