Technology Profile
| Title: | Paste Backfilling in Underground Metal Mines |
| Value Proposition: | The term "Paste" refers to a class of backfill that has an appearance akin to "toothpaste" and have low water content such that the mixture has a consistency as measured by slump cone test from slightly greater than zero up to nearly 305mm (12 inches), high densities(> 75% solids by weight) low permeability, generally consisting about 15% fines (-20 µ) content. |
| Summary Application: | Surface disposal of mill tailings generated as a by-product of processing of ore is challenging task due to adverse socio-environmental impacts. A possible alternate solution is to use the mill tailings as a backfill material for underground metal mines. Conventional hydraulic filling requires recirculation of additional water, require additional operational elements, increase in mining cycle time, whereas paste fill technology is a better and effective option as compared to all forms of underground mine backfilling practices. |
| Advantages: | Paste backfilling requires comparatively less water, facilitates possibility of maximum recovery of ore from the stope, enhances stability, minimizes subsidence and improvement in mining cycle time. |
| Commercialization Status: | Already Commercialised |
| Tech. Readiness Level: |
