Managing Tailings & Slurry: Why Vacuum Trucks Are Essential for Modern Mines
- Camjet Pty Ltd
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 26
The Challenges of Tailings and Slurry in Mining.
Modern mines require precise slurry control. Traditional tailings dams present risks such as seepage, instability, and regulatory scrutiny.
The Role of Vacuum Trucks in Slurry and Tailings Control
Efficient dewatering
Combination trucks can suck up slurry, separate liquid and solids, and transport the waste safely for environmentally compliant disposal.
Flexibility
Unlike fixed tailings dams, vacuum trucks can respond to changing site needs, facilitating mobile dewatering and reducing static risks.
Preventing storage failure
Quick removal of excess slurry helps maintain safe levels in tailings structures, reducing the risk of collapse or overflow.
Supporting Compliance & Sustainability
Using vacuum trucks aids in meeting evolving environmental legislation, mitigating water usage, and ensuring safer mine residue management
In the context of South African mining, vacuum combination trucks are more than cleaning machines—they’re safety guardians, efficiency boosters, and environmental protectors.
Safety: Reduce human exposure to risk, handle hazardous materials cleanly, and work within health and safety regulations.
Efficiency: Combine jetting and suction in one operation; powerful extraction; water recycling saves time and resources.
Environmental impact & compliance: Lower water usage, safer waste handling, and flexibility that helps prevent tailings disasters.
For modern mining operations aiming for operational excellence and sustainability, Camjet’s vacuum truck solutions are not just essential—they’re foundational.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Vacuum Trucks for Modern Mines
What is a combination vacuum truck?
A combination truck (or combi truck) integrates high-pressure jetting with industrial vacuum extraction, making it capable of breaking down debris and immediately suctioning slurry, sludge, or hazardous material in a single operation.
Why are vacuum trucks important in mining?
Vacuum trucks are essential in mining because they manage tailings, slurry, and hazardous waste safely and efficiently. They reduce manual labour risks, improve productivity, and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
How do vacuum trucks improve safety?
By removing the need for manual entry into confined spaces, reducing spill risks, and clearing blockages faster, vacuum trucks help mines maintain safer working conditions in line with HSE and ISO standards.
Can vacuum trucks help reduce water usage?
Yes. Camjet’s recycling vacuum units separate solids from water and reuse the clean water for jetting, dramatically cutting down freshwater consumption on mining sites.
Are vacuum trucks suitable for tailings management?
Absolutely. They can extract slurry, dewater tailings, and transport residue safely for disposal or processing, preventing risks of dam overflows or environmental contamination.
Do vacuum trucks comply with South African regulations?
Yes. Camjet’s fleet is fully compliant with South African HSE, ISO, and IAWM standards, ensuring both worker safety and environmental responsibility.
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