CPC C02F 1/56 (2013.01) [B01D 21/30 (2013.01); C02F 1/5245 (2013.01); C02F 11/12 (2013.01); C02F 11/145 (2019.01); C10G 1/045 (2013.01); F26B 5/005 (2013.01); B01D 21/01 (2013.01); B09B 1/00 (2013.01); B65G 5/00 (2013.01); C02F 1/5281 (2013.01); C02F 11/148 (2019.01); C02F 2103/10 (2013.01); C02F 2201/002 (2013.01); E21B 21/068 (2013.01); E21B 43/34 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method for treating tailings, the method comprising:
providing tailings originating from the extraction of minerals including at least one of copper, iron ore, gold, or uranium, the tailings comprising clay and a pH less than 9.0;
combining a coagulant comprising calcium hydroxide with the tailings to form a mixture having a pH of at least 12.0 and a soluble calcium level of no more than 800 mg/L, wherein the pH and soluble calcium level promote pozzolanic reactions to occur within the mixture; and
dewatering the mixture to produce a product having a shear strength of at least 1.5 kilopascals (kPa).
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