In this paper, superabsorbent polymer (SAB) dewatering behaviour of selected mineral pulps comprising low-grade, refractory gold flotation concentrate, bio-oxidation product and cyanide leach residue was investigated as an alternative to conventional, gravity thickening. The shear rheology of the resulting sediments was also investigated for pulp handleability. All slurries displayed better SAB-mediated dewatering performance, in terms of reduced processing time, volume minimization and greater water recovery for recycle, in comparison with gravity thickening. Specifically, SAB absorbed >94 wt.% water from the dilute slurries within 30 min of contact time. 45-76 wt.% more water was recovered after 60 min at high supernatant clarity using the SAB dewatering approach compared with gravity settling. The observed non-Newtonian, shear thinning rheological behaviour of SAB-dewatered consolidated slurries, reflecting low to moderate yield stresses in the range 1-40 Pa and shear thinning viscosities (<10 mPa.S), indicate their "handleability" in hydro-transport. The cost effectiveness of the SAB dewatering process engendered by its significantly greater water recovery and SAB polymer recovery, regeneration and multiple reuse capacity. Crown Copyright (C) 2020 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.