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U.S. Department of Energy
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Electrokinetic densification of hydraulic backfill: a field test. Report of investigations

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7138759

Hydraulic backfill consisting of siliceous mill tailings was successfully dewatered and consolidated by electrokinetics in a field test conducted at the Star mine, Burke, Idaho. Work was planned and performed by the Bureau of Mines, with the assistance of Hecla Mining Company personnel and management. A stope at the 2,000-foot level was filled in such a way that slimes as well as coarse sand were retained in the stope. Following settlement of solids and decant of surface water, direct current applied between buried electrodes created a firm, dense material in approximately three hours. This rapid densification of fine-grained material demonstrated the utility of this method and suggests other applications, particularly in the control of slime deposits that cause serious problems in many deep mines. These wastes can be converted to competent support material. (GRA)

Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines, Spokane, Wash. (USA). Spokane Mining Research Center
OSTI ID:
7138759
Report Number(s):
PB-247224; BM-RI-8075
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English