Slurry pipeline systems for tailings and mine waste since 1991

With over 30 years of industry experience Paterson & Cooke’s specialised engineering expertise includes the design and implementation of long-distance slurry concentrate pipeline systems, paste, thickened and filtered tailings disposal systems and deep mine backfilling.

Slurry pipelines: As a global leader in this field Paterson & Cooke has experience in all aspects of slurry pipeline system design and operation, ranging from laboratory test work, hydraulic analysis, pipeline routing and pipeline construction, to the detailed design and engineering of pump, valve and choke stations.

Mine backfill: Since 1991, Paterson & Cooke has solved some of the most complex backfill challenges while testing and designing hydraulic, paste and cemented rock fill projects all over the world. They pioneered the development of full flow technology to keep backfill reticulation systems fully pressurised to manage energy and reduce pipeline wear. 

The company’s global backfill group, made up of engineers, operators, technologists and specialists, allows it to coordinate expertise and resources from its offices to deliver backfill projects through detail design, construction, commissioning and ongoing operational support. Its expertise includes mining and process experts, hydraulics and pipe wear specialists, cement chemists and mechanical engineers focused on pipe stress and transient analysis. 

Tailings and mine waste: Paterson & Cooke’s holistic solutions balance many competing requirements such as geotechnical stability, geochemical stability, water conservation, social license to operate, people at risk, emissions, risk to operations, and cost. Its process starts with understanding corporate and mine site requirements in conjunction with the customer. 

Through this collaborative process, Paterson & Cooke develops a technology roadmap that addresses each customer’s unique challenges. The solutions that are developed are site specific and focus on each of the processing, transportation and deposition challenges. 

Laboratory services: Paterson & Cooke has comprehensive laboratories in each of the countries in which it operates that provide a wide range of metallurgical, process and bulk materials handling test work to support its engineering designs, as well as providing flow sheet development and process test work proven by pilot plant campaigns. Its Cape Town facility, in South Africa, can process run of mine ore to generate concentrate and flotation tailings and has extensive crushing, milling, flotation, dewatering, geochemical and mineral analysis capabilities.