The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for improving the processing of mineral tailings. The method involves diverting a side stream from the main line of a tailings process flow. Into this side stream an additive such as a neat polymer without dilution is added and mixed and is then returned into the main line. By doing this only a portion of the overall tailings flow needs to undergo mixing yet the additive effectively treats the tailings. Even better the process avoids the need to add water to first invert and dilute the polymer additive. As a result tailings can be processed without incurring unnecessary mixing costs and unnecessary water addition.
展开▼
