Port of StocktonTelestackSailors SocietyViganVan AalstCimbria
  • TBA Group
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Telestack
  • Cimbria
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst

BHP and Rio Tinto to collaborate on new tailings technology

BHP and Rio Tinto to collaborate on new tailings technology

(Posted on 02/11/22)

Global miners BHP and Rio Tinto have formed a partnership agreement to accelerate the development of technology that could significantly increase water recovery from mine tailings, and in turn reduce potential safety risks and environmental footprints associated with tailings storage facilities.

The first project will involve testing the application of an innovative large-volume filter unit at a BHP copper mine in Chile, which would remove up to 80% of the water in the tailings stream before it is deposited in a storage facility.

Rio Tinto will bring its experience from implementing smaller-scale tailings filters for bauxite residues at alumina refineries since 2005. Both organisations will work in collaboration with leading technology and equipment providers, technical experts, research groups and the academic sector.

Manufacture of the filter unit is already underway. The pilot construction is due to begin in early 2023 and operations are scheduled to commence in early 2024. The pilot will test the potential of a large-scale tailings filter unit for scalability and cost-effectiveness across global mining operations.

Removing more water from tailings would reduce potential risks associated with moisture in storage facilities, reduce the footprint required by such facilities, and create opportunities to productively re-use tailings, for example, as raw material for glass, construction or agriculture industries.

The additional water recovered from tailings by filtration could be re-used in processing facilities, reducing overall water consumption.

BHP Chief Technical Officer, Laura Tyler, said: “The world will need more critical minerals in the decades to come to support economic development and decarbonisation pathways. It is important that we keep working together across the global mining sector to raise standards and make sure our operations are as safe and sustainable as they can be. Responsible management of tailings and improved water use is a big part of that.”

Rio Tinto Chief Technical Officer, Mark Davies, said: “It is in everyone’s interest that we, as an industry, find safer and more sustainable ways to manage tailings. As two of the leading companies in the sector, we want to bring our combined knowledge and expertise to address this challenge.”

Tailings usually takes the form of a liquid slurry made of fine metal or mineral particles and water – created when mined ore is crushed and finely ground in a milling process to enable the metals and minerals of interest to be extracted.

Latest News

SSAB postpones commissioning of new steel mill in Luleå by 12 months

(Posted on 20/06/25)

SSAB has commenced preparatory work to build a new, state-of-the-art steel mill in Luleå, Sweden... Read more


Anglo American streamlines leadership team to reflect portfolio progress

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Anglo American plc has streamlined its executive leadership team to reflect substantial progress with... Read more


NeoSmelt welcomes Government support for steel decarbonisation project

(Posted on 20/06/25)

NeoSmelt, a consortium of leading resources, energy and manufacturing companies working together on... Read more


Telestack announces new iron ore project

(Posted on 16/06/25)

Northern Ireland based Telestack have announced that they have been awarded a contract for the supply... Read more


Bühler opens grain puffing technology centre

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Bühler has opened its new Puffing Application Center in Uzwil, Switzerland, providing food... Read more


Ore sorting demonstration project at Havre-Saint-Pierre mine launched

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Rio Tinto is investing CA$7.6 million in an industrial demonstration project to assess the integration... Read more


Bühler sets new global standard with state-of-the-art Milling Academy

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Bühler has opened a new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy – a 1,800-square-meter training... Read more


Anglo American completes demerger of Valterra Platinum

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Anglo American plc has announced that it has completed the demerger of c.51% of the Company’s... Read more


Western Range iron ore mine in Pilbara opened with Yinhawangka owners

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Rio Tinto has officially opened its newest iron ore mine, Western Range, with Western Australian Premier... Read more


Heidelberg presents Strategy 2030 to accelerate profitable growth

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Heidelberg Materials has presented its “Strategy 2030: Making a Material Difference” at... Read more


Bühler GmbHTMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaGeneva DryTBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Sailors Society

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping