Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a 3D geo-characterization model of a real case tailing dam based on drillings, sampling and full characterization campaigns in an abandoned tailing dam called SOTRAMIN, located in Taltal, Chile. The 3D geo-characterization model corresponds to the first research step that allows defining the metallurgical processing to recover value elements such as copper and gold from this tailing dam. In particular, it was done a complete chemical, physical and geo-mineralogical characterization of the tailing dam material, using a 3D-grid for a representative sampling and reasonable analysis. Therefore, a drilling campaign was made at different depths and distances in the tailing dam. High resolution analytical techniques were applied such as: QEMSCAN, chemical analysis by ICP-OES, AA, and gold fire assay. Therefore, the elemental composition data obtained was used as input for the VULCAN software in order to obtain the elemental distribution using a geostatistical approach. The results obtained in this first step allow to determine the commercial value contained in a mineral tailing deposit, and to establish the technical and economic feasibility of processing of a tailing dam reservoir.