Abstract: A method is disclosed of separating a suspension of fine tailings particles from a material of value in a liquid medium which comprises, adding a small but effective amount of fluocculant to said liquid medium while mixing said liquid medium and continuing said mixing to effect flocculation of said fine tailings particles, passing said liquid medium containing said flocculated particles to a rotating pelletizing drum and subjecting said medium to the rotational action of said drum to pelletize said flocculated tailings particles, thickening said pelletized tailings particles to provide an underflow of said pelletized tailings particles, and disposing said pelletized tailings particles.

Abstract: Process and means are provided for reducing the viscosity of a work hardened slurry of finely divided ore having a pulp density of at least 15% by weight of solids, the process comprising, gently mechanically agitating a mass of said work hardened slurry confined in a container whereby to cause relative movement between said mass and a contacting surface such that said mass is subjected to shear forces, the relative movement being at a linear velocity sufficient to provide shear forces in said agitated mass in contact with the surface effective for reducing the viscosity to a desired level more than 50% below the original viscosity, and continuing said agitation at substantially said linear velocity until the viscosity has been reduced to said desired level. A rotating drum or a container with a stirring device may be employed for carrying out the invention.