Phase 2 (2019-2024)

Phase 2 of the IRC program consists of complementary themes that integrate multidisciplinary expertise:

Theme 1: Engineered Mixtures of Tailings and Overburden for Dry Stacked Deposits;

Theme 2: Influence of Bio-geo-chemical Interactions on the Geotechnical Behaviour of Soft Tailings; and

Theme 3: Capping Soft Tailings Deposits.

These complementary themes look to the future of tailings management, while providing solutions for interim challenges.

Theme 1: Engineered Mixtures of Tailings and Overburden for Dry Stacked Deposits

Project 1.1: The influence of clay content on mixtures of Clearwater Shales and FFT

This research understand the influence of high plastic versus low and no clay content on the blending of various treated and untreated MFT with Clearwater Shale.

Project 1.2: Developing appropriate mixtures of FFT with alternative solids for dry stacking

Aniseh Dadashi

This research evaluate the use of alternative overburden materials for blending with various types of FFT to form suitable materials for dry stacking.

Project 1.3: Progressive deposition of co-mixtures on deep deposits

Nathalia Machado

This research investigates the impact of progressively adding solids to various mixtures of FFT and other solids to form a “Thick Cap” on soft deep deposits.

Project 1.4: Investigating the properties of transition zone materials

Peter Kaheshi

This research investigates the properties of the fines fraction that influences the behaviour of tailings mixtures in the transition zone of the tailings classification chart.

Theme 2: Influence of Bio-geo-chemical Interactions on the Geotechnical Behaviour of Soft Tailings

Project 2.1: Geotechnical optimization of treated tailings systems for aqueous covers

Heidi Cossey

This research will develop design criteria that will optimize the geotechnical properties (and biogeochemical properties which are coupled) of an engineered deep deposit to accelerate the transition of the deposit to a natural ecosystem that sequesters the constituents of potential concern.

Project 2.2: Integrity and long-term stability of treated tailings systems

Dr. Peter Kuznetsov

This research aims to assess the long-term stability and performance of chemically amended deposits.

Project 2.3: Comparison of consolidation methods over a range of materials

Mahmoud Ahmed

This research compares the consolidation parameters measured by the different consolidation tests used in the industry over a range of different materials.

Theme 3: Capping Soft Tailings Deposits

Project 3.1: Optimization of capping soft tailings deposits

Tony Zheng

This research will investigate the influence of various density and strength profiles of the underlying tailings on their ability to support a cap (i.e., strong but low density, strong and high density or weaker and high density).

Project 3.2: Deformation behaviour of crusted tailings

Umme Rima

This research investigates the bearing capacity and deformation response of caps placed on tailings deposits with a thinner, stronger surface layer overlying a weaker foundation material.