Paste backfill materials for underground mining: Some experiences in Serbia: Part I

Abstract

This review paper presents the backfill method and materials for paste backfill method which are used in the world practice of underground mining. The paper consists of two parts. The first part (Part I) provides a brief literature review concerning the presentation of the backfill method, mostly the paste backfill method, its application, advantages and disadvantages, and materials that can be used to form a paste. The second part (Part II) of the paper presents an overview of possible materials that could be used for the eventual application of this method in Serbia. Flotation tailings from lead-zinc mines and copper mines, fly ash from thermal power plants and metallurgical slag can be potentially used materials for this method. This paper presents the characterization of these materials from some localities in Serbia and results of some investigations in this area.