Addressing Platinum Processing Bottlenecks with geotextile tube dewatering in mining

Fully pumped large scale Geotextile tube

A platinum processing plant encountered a critical operational constraint: concentrator throughput was exceeding the capacity of existing filter presses. This resulted in frequent breakdowns, high maintenance costs, and an increasing risk to production continuity.

With filter press performance declining and maintenance demands escalating, the operation required a reliable mining dewatering solution that could act as both a backup system and a long-term optimisation strategy.

Terravua, supported by our international manufacturing partner, was engaged to assess whether geotextile tube dewatering could provide a viable alternative.

Pilot Testing: Validating Geotextile Tube Dewatering in mining Performance

A site visit was conducted to evaluate the slurry characteristics and determine suitability for slurry dewatering using geotextile tubes.

Testing confirmed:

• Slurry solids concentration of approximately 50–55%

• Limited free water, indicating a high solids sludge dewatering challenge

• Moderate natural drainage without flocculant support

Jar testing and cone filtration trials were completed to benchmark expected performance.

Jar test confirmation of dewatering capability

Results showed:

• From a 300 ml sludge sample, approximately 50 ml of filtrate water was released

• Strong correlation between lab-scale testing and expected field performance

A pilot geotextile dewatering tube was then installed and connected to the settler feed.

Pilot Results: Measurable Dewatering and Volume Reduction

The pilot tube delivered consistent and predictable results:

• Filling time: ±2 hours

• Dewatering performance: ~40% volume reduction within 13 hours

• Multi-cycle operation: Tube filled over 3 cycles before reaching capacity

The reduction in tube height directly reflected water loss, validating both lab testing assumptions and real-world performance.

Following filling, the material was left to consolidate:

• Consolidation period: 1–2 weeks

• Final moisture content: ~15–20%
  

This achieved a manageable, stackable solids product, suitable for handling and further processing.

Pilot tube fully pumped to 1.5m high to achieve maximum results

Pilot tube showing dewatering height reduced within 13hrs

Scaling the Solution: From Pilot to Operational Deployment

Based on successful pilot performance, the system was scaled to a larger unit:

• Tube size: 13.7 m circumference × 20 m length

• Capacity: ±220 m³ per tube
  

The geotextile tubes are now deployed as a secondary dewatering system within the plant.

High solids slurry pumped into geotextile tube during pilot testing

Operational Benefits: A Practical Alternative to Filter Presses

The implementation of geotextile tube dewatering in mining operations delivered immediate and strategic benefits:

• Reduced reliance on filter presses, lowering maintenance risk

• Provided overflow and contingency capacity during peak production

• Enabled continued operation during filter press downtime

• Assisted in clearing holding ponds, freeing up critical space

• Delivered a low-maintenance, non-mechanical dewatering solution
  

This approach effectively positioned geotextile tubes as a filter press alternative for high solids slurry applications.

Strategic Impact: Improving Plant Resilience and Efficiency

By integrating geotextile tube dewatering, the operation transitioned from a constrained system to a more flexible and resilient processing strategy.

The solution not only addressed immediate bottlenecks but also introduced a scalable method for:

• tailings dewatering

• sludge volume reduction

• water recovery in mining operations

Large geotextile dewatering tubes installed at platinum plant site

Conclusion: A Smarter Approach to Mining Dewatering

This case study demonstrates that geotextile tube dewatering is a proven, cost-effective alternative to traditional filter press systems, particularly in high solids environments.

For mining operations facing:

• Filter press limitations

• High maintenance costs

• Throughput constraints
  

Geotextile tubes provide a practical, scalable, and operationally robust dewatering solution.