The Rabbit Lake Open Pit Tailing Disposal System

Abstract

The Rabbit Lake open pit tailing depository is a below-ground tailing disposal system which takes advantage of existing low groundwater hydraulic gradients and low tailing permeabilities in preventing the ex-migration of contaminants. Establishing a highly-permeable surround around the tailings connected to a pumped underdrainage system ensures maximum consolidation of tailing during placement. When pumping ceases at abandonment it provides a preferential path for groundwater flow around the fully consolidated tailing.