Abstract: A method for reducing above ground storage of phosphate slimes waste obtained in the hydraulic mining of phosphate mineral where said waste, contains at least 2 weight percent solids, is treated by admixing the waste with fertile topsoil to form about a 30 weight percent slurry of topsoil, which topsoil contains at least 50 parts per million of extractable organic flocculating agents; transporting, depositing, and settling the slurry; and separating water from the resultant sediment.

Abstract: The dilute clay-containing slimes waste, formed in the hydraulic mining of phosphate mineral, is flocculated by mixing with an aqueous extract of fertile topsoil or with fertile topsoil which is the uppermost 2 feet or more of overburden that contains at least 200 parts per million of organic matter extractable by water. Water is recovered from the flocculated mixture. The dewatered floc is preferably disposed at a land reclamation site and covered with overburden to restore the original stable soil profile, i.e. an upper layer of soil with good drainage and a lower layer having poor drainage.

Abstract: The dilute clay-containing slimes waste, formed in the hydraulic mining of phosphate mineral, is flocculated by mixing with an aqueous extract of fertile topsoil or with fertile topsoil which is the uppermost two feet or more of overburden that contains at least 200 parts per million of organic matter extractable by water. Water is recovered from the flocculated mixture. The dewatered floc is preferably disposed at a land reclamation site and covered with overburden to restore the original stable soil profile, i.e. an upper layer of soil with good drainage and a lower layer having poor drainage.