Long-distance slurry pipeline transport

Abstract

This chapter of the SME Surface Mining Handbook deals with long-distance slurry pipelines, defined as
those longer than 10 km is used to transport solid materials, including ore, concentrate, and tailings,
mixed with water, where the latter acts as a medium. Such pipelines tend to pass through public and
private sites, and commonly through natural topographies and barriers that require the construction
of numerous ascending and descending sections. This type of transportation mode is an alternative
to other traditional means of transport such as trains, trucks, and conveyors. The chapter covers
a variety of topics related to slurry pipelines, including their advantages and disadvantages, slurry
properties, hydraulics, infrastructure, commissioning and operation, and pipeline integrity.