Australian Mining sat down with Thejo Australia to discuss waste management and the role of filtration in mineral processing.
Waste management is a crucial concern in the mining industry, especially when there is growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and stringent regulations.
Efficient disposal of waste, particularly in mineral processing plants, is more important than ever.
One major challenge in this sector is the effective separation of solids and liquids in slurry form, a core process in mineral processing.
Thejo Australia’s filtration division has a range of solutions to address this need, playing a key role in waste management across the industry.
Filtration in mineral processing
Pressure filtration is essential for solid–liquid separation in mineral processing plants, particularly in the final stages where valuable minerals are extracted from slurry.
The process involves removing water to concentrate the mineral product and treat the tailings, leading to reduced waste and more sustainable operations.
Thejo Australia has made a name for itself in this space by providing high-quality filtration products tailored to the specific needs of each application.
These solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to environmental compliance.
Concentrate filtration
Thejo Australia specialises in concentrate filtration, a critical step that sees mineral slurry undergo filtration to remove water before further processing.
Using advanced materials and customised designs, Thejo Australia’s HIPO filtration products aim to ensure optimal performance while minimising product loss.
HIPO filtration parts, designed for pressure filter presses, are engineered to meet the specific requirements of each project, with efficiency and regulatory compliance a top priority.
The ability to remove water effectively from the concentrate improves the quality of the final product while reducing operational waste.
Tailings management
Tailings pose a significant environmental risk if not managed properly.
In the past, tailings were often disposed of in slurry form, a practice that has led to incidents of dam failures and water contamination.
These risks have driven countries such as Australia to introduce strict regulations mandating that tailings must be filtered before disposal.
Image: Thejo Australia
Thejo Australia’s filtration solutions aim to ensure tailings are dewatered to a solid state, reducing the environmental footprint and allowing for the safe recycling of water back into the processing cycle.
By offering advanced filtration products, Thejo Australia is committed to supporting mining companies in complying with these regulations.
HIPO solutions not only work to mitigate environmental risks but also conserve water, which is increasingly critical in arid regions.
Retrofit solutions
Mining companies are facing growing pressure to upgrade their filtration systems to meet modern environmental standards.
Thejo Australia has developed a comprehensive range of retrofit filtration spares under its HIPO brand, designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
These high-performance components aim to optimise filtration processes, enhancing concentrate filtration and tailings management.
The company also undertakes retrofitting and re-engineering of filter presses to increase operational efficiency and render operation and maintenance services to its clients.
Thejo Australia’s filtration parts include:
- rubber diaphragms that are essential for maintaining pressure in the filter chamber, enabling effective liquid release and solid–liquid separation
- plate pack seals critical for preventing leaks, ensuring system integrity during the filtration process
- filling shoes to facilitate uniform distribution of slurry across filter plates, ensuring efficient filtration
- pinch valve sleeves for ensuring precise control of slurry, filtrate and air flow, boosting system efficiency
- filter plates and grids, which are designed to maximise surface area, improving filtration rate and product quality
- stainless steel frames that are durable and corrosion-resistant, ideal for harsh mining environments
- rollers and scrapers to enhance system operation by reducing downtime and improving productivity.
Thejo Australia’s precision-engineered filtration parts not only extend the life of filtration systems but also help mining operations reduce waste and meet the required environmental standards.
Environmental compliance and sustainability
Stringent environmental regulations now mandate the filtration of tailings and the reuse of water in many regions. This shift aims to prevent environmental damage, conserve resources, and reduce the risk of catastrophic tailings dam failures.
Thejo Australia’s filtration solutions are designed to help mining companies meet these legal requirements while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency.
Waste management is an integral part of modern mining, and Thejo Australia is determined to be at the forefront of providing filtration solutions that enhance both efficiency and sustainability.
By minimising waste, conserving water, and ensuring compliance with strict regulations, Thejo Australia is helping its clients stay ahead in a competitive and increasingly eco-conscious industry.
This feature appeared in the November 2024 issue of Australian Mining.
