Dredging from mine sites using a cutterhead dredge is an effective method. The cost can be as little as a few dollars a cubic yard or ton, but can increase up to $100 per cubic yard or ton depending on various factors.
Dredging from mine sites using a cutterhead dredge is an effective method. The cost can be as little as a few dollars a cubic yard or ton, but can increase up to $100 per cubic yard or ton depending on various factors.
Dredging is an effective method to remove tailings from one pond and transport it to another for additional storage.
MSHA regulates the safety aspect related to tailings pond (berms, railings, boats, etc.) and the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates the discharge from the pond.
Sand and kaolin clay are two unique types of material. Sand is much more abrasive and must be pumped with hardened steel pumps and cutterhead wear parts. Kaolin is less abrasive but must be pumped efficiently, often at long distances to be economical. Hydraulic mining is often used when the source is dry. Dredges are used when the water table is above the source of material.
Sand dredging can be done within quarries or mines for mining or reclamation purposes. Sand can be excavated with an excavator and stockpile easily as it dewaters rapidly. Pumping sand with a dredge is an effective means to move sand and process it. Sand pumps are made of specific metal to prevent wear. Pipeline is usually high-density plastic to prevent wear as well.
Cleaning out sediment ponds at a quarry can be tedious. Draglines were used in the past but have mostly been replaced by excavators to dig out settling ponds. Hydraulic dredges can also be useful to remove sediment from ponds in mine sites and quarries. Tailings, silt, and sediment can be removed and used in reclamation activities or placed in areas outside of the main processing facility.
Tailings are often an issue with mine sites. As settling ponds fill with tailings, they must be removed to allow for more storage and capture. Dredging can help remove tailings from ponds and process or dispose of them in an alternate location.