Finnish mining technology company Outotec has inked a deal with Australian rival OZ Minerals to design and deliver a mine paste backfill system at the Prominent Hill copper-gold operation in South Australia.
With a total investment of 15 million euros ($17 million), the contract will include the supply of a complete paste backfill system, as well as detailed design of the underground distribution network and fill management systems.
Additionally, the paste backfill plant will be based on unique process design, allowing flexibility to use continuously produced fresh tailings.
The new facility is expected to have a capacity of 215 cubic metres per hour and also allows for filter cake to be stored in order to meet the future backfill needs of the underground mining operation.