Characteristics of iron ore tailing slime in India and its test for required pond size

The physical and chemical nature of the tailing slime depends on milling operations and water content in the affluent. The characteristics of the tailings dictate the type of disposal facility required. Characteristics of the tailings, transportation from beneficiation plants and disposal system are described. Studies on tailing slime have been carried out at iron ore mines in Orissa and the results are discussed. The tailings contain toxic elements and find their way into the water environment. Sedimentation test was carried out on tailings and the area required for tailing pond was found to be 3155 m(2) in comparison to 10 000 m(2) obtained from the use of an empirical equation. Provision of tailing pond for the disposal of tailings is a conservation of resources in addition to pollution control, and sedimentation test is essential for required pond size calculation.