Abstract: High concentration thickening of total tailing was investigated on a fine iron ore tailing. The results indicate that the application of hydrocyclone can effectively thicken the low concentration tailing. At a feed concentration of 10%~28%, the underflow concentration of φ100~150 mm hydrocyclone can reach about 70%, with the underflow yield being about 65%.The concentration of the micro-fine particles in the overflow can reach 45%~50% when further thickened by highly effective thickener. The application of “hydrocyclone-thickener” two-stage classified thickening can help realize a highly concentrated thickening of total tailing, with the overall concentration of tailing being above 60% at a feed concentration of 10%~28%.

Key words: Total tailing, Classified thickening, Hydrocyclone