Abstract: A system for disposing of aggregate material in a mine cavern between a mine ceiling and a mine floor includes a first pump for pumping water from the cavern, a second pump for pumping emulsion to the cavern, a gated proportioning mechanism, and a water line extending between the first and second pumps and being accessible at the gated proportioning mechanism such that aggregate in the gated proportioning mechanism is introduced into the water line to form the emulsion. The second pump is configured such that the emulsion is pumped into the cavern at a pressure between about 20 pounds per square inch and about 30 pounds per square inch and settles on the mine floor in a pile having an angle of repose between about 1:1.5 and about 1:3.5. The pressure is insufficient to fracture the mine floor and insufficient to fracture the mine ceiling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for disposing of aggregate material in the mine caverns from which these materials were originally obtained. In an apparatus for combining aggregate material, for example, chat or tailings, with water, an emulsion is formed. The water is drawn from the cavern, through a casing. The emulsion is pumped back into the cavern below ground level, through another casing, the pumping at pressures that overcome the forces of the water in the cavern and create turbulence in the water, such that the emulsion spreads throughout the cavern, at a good angle of repose, to maximize the amount of material disposed of.