WORKSHOPS
25th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings
29 April – 3 May 2023 | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
Paste Backfill System Optimization Short Course
30 April 2023 | Alberta, Canada
Backfill plant operators have numerous resources to learn about paste backfill system design and operation, however it can be difficult to find focused information that will help backfill clients improve their existing or future plant operation. This course focusses on recognizing and addressing those key areas that are typically inadequately serviced at a backfill operation. Topics will include paste backfill QA/QC, backfill planning, backfill cost optimization, response to emergency situations and the safe operation of backfill plants.
The objectives of the course is to provide the attendees with good paste backfill plant design and operating guidance that will help improve backfill system reliability, quality and economics.
Course Facilitator:
Chris Lee
WSP
Chris is a professional mechanical and mining engineer with over 26 years of experience in domestic and international mining projects, with a focus on backfill, dewatered tailings systems and mine infrastructure. Backfill systems include paste, hydraulic fill, and cemented rockfill. Dewatered tailings for surface disposal include deep cone and paste thickeners as well as filtration systems. In addition, Chris has experience in mine dewatering systems, crushing and material handling and shaft sinking.
Since joining WSP, Chris has held numerous positions such as Project Manager and Technical Director for the detailed design and construction of mine infrastructure as well as numerous conceptual and feasibility studies. Duties included performing design and senior technical review for surface and underground distribution systems, hydraulic design, flow modelling, process design, equipment selection, plant layout, piping and valving specifications, pipe supports and layouts.
Chris has performed on-site pilot plant testing, construction QA/QC, commissioning and training for a variety of mine infrastructure projects.
Course Facilitator:
Sue Longo
WSP
Ms. Longo is a Principal and Senior Project Manager with over 19 years of experience in domestic and international mining projects, with a focus on backfill and tailings disposal in the mining, power and oil sand industries. Sue has worked on conceptual, feasibility and detailed engineering design mandates, as well as start-up and commissioning assignments and operation of pilot plants. Her project management experience is broad and includes cost estimating and project scheduling. She has acted as the design and site lead on multiple contracted backfill delivery projects in Canada. Other mine backfill project roles include being the backfill lead on a multimillion dollar contracted backfill delivery program for a closed gold mine in Northern Canada and the technical lead for the development of the backfill mitigation strategy and execution at a decommissioned uranium mine.