Evaluation of mine tailings dust control

This paper reports on the results of a study on the performance and effectiveness of acrylic copolymer stabilization in improving the strength, water retention capacity and dust resistance of copper mine tailings (MT). Samples were taken from both untreated and acrylic copolymer-treated TSF. Fall cone, water retention and wind tunnel tests were conducted on the samples to evaluate their strength, water retention capacity and dust resistance. SEM imaging was also performed to evaluate their microstructure. The results indicate that acrylic copolymer treatment improves the strength, water retention capacity, and dust resistance of MT. The improvement is because acrylic copolymer application enhances the agglomeration of MT particles and forms coating on the MT particle surface, leading to a denser microstructure. The formation of a loose white powder on the surface of MT was observed in the study. FTIR and XRD analyses were performed to characterize this material because it may have an adverse effect on dust resistance of MT.