Throughout its operation, Minera Esperanza (ME) will deposit one of the largest tonnages of high-density tailings in the world, with a solids concentration of close to 67% by weight. Because the tailings currently being deposited have a solids concentration of approximately 62% - 64%, they cannot be used to directly characterise the flow and deposition characteristics of the higher-concentration tailings. To increase knowledge of the behaviour of its tailings, ME, with the support of Golder Associates, developed a large-scale tailings deposition test with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes per day (1,200 m3/h). The test was carried out by depositing tailings into two large cells or paddocks in five stages. Multiple spigots were used to allow different flows to be deposited. At each stage, researchers conducted topographical surveys of the natural terrain and the geometry of the deposited tailings, measured continuous flow, and characterised periodic rheology of the discharged tailings to create a data set against which beach slope models could be calibrated and then used to predict performance of the higher-concentration tailings under different deposition scenarios. This study adopted the beach slope prediction model proposed by Li (2011). The model was successfully adjusted to the observations made during this large-scale field test by applying the values measured in situ. This paper presents the application of the model, the results obtained, the findings, and the analysis of possible future scenarios. The model was applied to estimate the development of the beach formation and the steady state of the beach slopes, using variables such as the discharge flow rate, the geometric characteristics of the discharge area, and the variation of rheological characteristics along the beach. Through the use of dimensionless variables, the model was applied to higher solids concentration scenarios, obtaining results that would allow beach slope estimation at different deposition stages in multiple scenarios of varying parameters such as flow, rheological characteristics, and geometry of discharge area.
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