Geotechnical characterization of Nalunaq Gold Mine residues for in-situ engineering applications

Raphael Simon Deiss

doi:10.34901/mul.pub.2026.092

Geotechnical characterization of Nalunaq Gold Mine residues for in-situ engineering applications

Titel in Übersetzung: Geotechnische Charakterisierung der Rückstände der Nalunaq-Goldmine für in-situ ingenieurtechnische Anwendungen

Raphael Simon Deiss

Lehrstuhl für Bergbaukunde, Bergtechnik und Bergwirtschaft (200)

Publikation: Thesis / Studienabschlussarbeiten und Habilitationsschriften › Masterarbeit

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Abstract

Die Nalunaq-Goldmine setzt Dry-Stack-Tailings als versatzfähiges Material für offene Abbausohlen (Open Stopes) ohne Zementierung ein. Diese Arbeit charakterisiert die neu produzierten Tailings anhand quantitativer und qualitativer Laboruntersuchungen und schafft damit eine grundlegende Kenntnis der physikochemischen, geotechnischen und hydraulischen Parameter, um deren Eignung für den untertägigen Dry-Stack-Versatz zu bewerten. Die Ergebnisse werden in drei Kategorien zusammengefasst, welche die physikochemischen, geotechnischen und hydro-mechanischen Eigenschaften adressieren. Zusätzlich wurde Bergematerial (Waste Rock) analysiert, um dessen Eignung für den lokalen Straßenbau zu beurteilen. Die Befunde zeigen, dass die Tailings schlecht gestuft, gering durchlässig sind und eine hohe Wasserhaltefähigkeit aufweisen. Sie besitzen eine hohe Scherfestigkeit bei niedrigen Wassergehalten, wobei die Festigkeit mit steigenden Wassergehalten abnimmt. Das Bergematerial zeigt eine hohe Abriebfestigkeit und einen leicht alkalischen pH-Wert, was auf ein Potenzial für den Einsatz im Schotterstraßenbau hinweist. Insgesamt zeigen beide Materialien ein vielversprechendes Potenzial für die betriebsinterne Nutzung im untertägigen Versatz.

Titel in Übersetzung	Geotechnische Charakterisierung der Rückstände der Nalunaq-Goldmine für in-situ ingenieurtechnische Anwendungen
Originalsprache	Englisch
Qualifikation	Dipl.-Ing.
Gradverleihende Hochschule	Montanuniversität
Betreuer/-in / Berater/-in	Frühwirt, Thomas, Mitbetreuer (intern) Bordoloi, Sanandam, Betreuer (extern), Externe Person Clausen, Elisabeth, Mitbetreuer (extern), Externe Person
Datum der Bewilligung	27 März 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.34901/mul.pub.2026.092
Publikationsstatus	Veröffentlicht - 2026

Bibliographische Notiz

nicht gesperrt

Schlagwörter

Dry Stack gold tailings
Nalunaq Goldmine
Versatzmaterial
Geomaterialcharakterisierung
Verdichtungsverhalten
Bodenwasserretentioneigenschaften

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abstract = "Nalunaq gold mine has adopted dry stack tailings as a backfill material for open stopes without cementation. This thesis characterises the newly produced tailings using both quantitative and qualitative laboratory testing methods, establishing a baseline understanding of physicochemical, geotechnical, and hydraulic parameters to assess the suitability for underground dry stack backfilling. The results are grouped into three categories addressing physiochemical, geotechnical, and hydro-mechanical properties. In addition, waste rock was analysed to evaluate its suitabil-ity for local road construction purposes. The findings indicate that the tailings are poorly graded, have low permeability, and exhibit high water retention. They show high shear strength at low moisture contents, with strength decreasing as water con-tent increases. The waste rock shows strong abrasion resistance and a slightly alka-line pH, suggesting potential for use in gravel road construction. Overall, both materials show promising potential for implementation in on-site ap-plications for underground backfilling.",

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