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Application Case of Cast Stone Composite Pipes for Tailings Transportation at the Xitie Shan Lead-Zinc Mine of Western Mining
The Xitie Shan lead–zinc mine tailings‑transport project of Western Mining employs two cast‑stone composite pipelines to construct its tailings‑conveyance network, with a total pipeline length of 6,000 meters. Officially commissioned in April 2010, the system processes 5,000 tons of raw ore per day and has operated continuously and smoothly ever since, without a single anomaly—serving as a benchmark for long‑distance transport of neutral‑pH lead–zinc tailings on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Located at high altitude, the mining area presents unique operating conditions that demand exceptionally high standards for pipeline durability and stability. Thanks to its superior product performance, the cast‑stone composite pipe has reliably met the demands of continuous, large‑scale conveyance under plateau conditions over the long term.
The tailings from this project are derived from a volcanic‑sedimentary massive lead–zinc sulfide deposit, with a d₅₀ particle size of 0.036 mm, 77% passing 200 mesh, a true density of 2.73 t/m³, approximately 2.3% total sulfur, a deep‑cone conveying concentration of 44%, a slurry specific gravity of 1.46, and a pH of about 7.0. The gangue minerals are predominantly diopside and calcite–magnesite carbonates. The slurry exhibits moderate rheological resistance and remains neutral thanks to the natural buffering system; during operation, only uniform erosive wear is observed, with stable and sustained wear characteristics under operating conditions. Cast‑stone composite pipes offer excellent uniform erosion‑resistance, providing long‑term protection against the continuous abrasive wear caused by the mineral slurry.
After 16 years of continuous, high‑load transport on the plateau, the cast‑stone composite pipe has consistently remained in excellent operating condition—showing no wear or aging, no leakage failures, and requiring no frequent maintenance. Its exceptional structural stability and outstanding wear resistance and durability make it ideally suited to the long‑distance conveyance of neutral lead–zinc tailings on the plateau, fully demonstrating its superior practicality and broad applicability across diverse operating conditions. As a result, it provides a mature, reliable, and time‑tested solution for tailings transportation at lead–zinc mines in China’s plateau regions.
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