Abstract
Diamond mines in Botswana are constrained by the availability of water for conducting the mining and extraction processes. The use of water on diamond mines is reviewed and the destination of the water identified. Large proportions of the water are lost by evaporation from slimes dams and some water is retained in the mud in the dams.
Alternatives for reducing the water consumption are being considered. These include dry processes and the alternative of reclamation of more water from slimes dams and other areas where it evaporates. The characteristics of the Kimberlite ore make it particularly difficult to separate the water from the slimes. Laboratory tests and theoretical analysis have been carried out to optimise the process.
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