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Abstract of the Article

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Application of Block-to-Block Stability Analysis Method in Construction of Heap Leaching Structures

Authors:
[ A. Majdi ] - Assistant Professor, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Tehran
[ M. A. Chermahini ] - Post-Graduate Student, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Tehran,

Abstract:

Heap leaching construction usually involves a large area, approximately one square kilometer, covered by a succession of natural and artificial layers. A layer of gravel bearing a high coefficient of permeability is laid above the former layers. Subsequently, copper oxide soil is placed above the layers to be leached. Acid dissolves the copper content, leaches down through the drainage system and transfers to the leaching plant. The resultant pregnant liquid solution will then be treated so as to separate and retain the copper. The remaining acid is returned to the system to continue with the leaching process. Clearly, the inter-layer shearing strength parameters of the natural and artificial layers are less than the shear strength of other components of the heap, thereby forming a probable failure plane. Since soil movement in heap leaching has paramount importance in terms of environmental and economical considerations, stability analysis of potential failure plane is required. Generally, several methods are currently available for stability analysis of heap leaching structures. In this paper, the application of a block-to-block method, which is based on the combined effects of passive, active and inert processes, is used to construct heap leaching structures.

Keywords:

Block-to-block stability analysis, Identity force, Heap leaching structure