Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dewatering an aqueous mineral suspension comprising introducing into the suspension a flocculating system comprising a mixture of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide polymers, in particular a mixture of one or more low molecular mass polyethylene glycol with one or more high molecular mass polyethylene oxide. Said mixture of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide polymers is useful for the treatment of suspensions of particulate material, especially waste mineral slurries. The invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of tailings and other waste material resulting from mineral processing, in particular, the processing of oil sands tailings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mixing a flocculant composition with mineral suspensions, especially waste mineral slurries, using an acoustic mixer. Preferably the flocculant composition is a polymeric flocculant composition preferably comprising a poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer or copolymer. The process of the present invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of tailings and other waste material resulting from mineral processing, in particular, processing of oil sands tailings.