Towards an integrated oil sands mine plan and composite tailings plan

Abstract

One of the major issues in current oil sands waste management is the lack of a direct link between long-term mine plans and the quantity of the tailings produced downstream. This research is focused on developing a link between the oil sands’ long-term mine plans and the final composite tailings (CT) produced downstream. The objective is to assist in making the oil sands production process comply with the regulations set by the Alberta Energy Resources and Conservation Board (Directive 074). A series of mass-balance relations between the ore tonnage and the final CT tonnage was developed. This was followed by implementing the mass-balance relations with a case study and reporting the CT production schedule from the long-term mine plan. To capture the uncertainties associated with the CT production process, a stochastic simulation model was developed. Finally, sensitivity analysis was carried out to capture the sensitivity of the CT tonnages produced to the fluctuations of the stochastic input variables. The link between the long-term mine schedule and tailings management plan helps mine planners to set a dyke construction schedule and raise the dyke height in each period in accordance with the volume of tailings produced. This research illustrates the uncertainties associated with the amount of CT produced over the mine life. Understanding these uncertainties will lead to improved and sustainable mining and waste management practices in oil sands mining industry.