Metso’s new approach to tailings management is aimed at addressing the water conservation and responsible mine reclamation requirements that are becoming increasingly important for mines to gain and retain their social license to operate.

The Metso tailings management concept, spearheaded by the launch of the new Metso VPX™ filter for tailings dewatering, is geared towards enabling and supporting environmentally and economically sustainable mining, the company says.

Metso said: “Designed to maximise water recovery and reduce the footprint of tailings dams or eliminate them completely, Metso Tailings Management Solutions provide a long-term solution for mining companies looking for a viable approach to their tailings management and end-of-mine strategies.”

The Metso VPX filter comes with an operating pressure of up to 25 bar, the highest pressure in its category, allowing it to deal with difficult-to-dewater tailings and provide up to 90% water recovery. The VPX is equipped with a fully electromechanical drive system and no hydraulics, making it the safest solution on the market, Metso says. “With its modular design, the Metso VPX filter is scalable as well as easily transportable to the site in standard containers.”

The VPX filter is available for mining customers globally and an ideal solution for a range of dewatering applications, according to the company.