Long-distance transportation of tailings is a solution put forward to the mines where tailings ponds are not fit to be established nearby.The diaphragm pump is decided for tailings transportation because of lower cost than the piston pump.Based on the calculation of tailings slurry flow and transportation distance in a mine,the cost is decided because the total cost of diaphragm pump is lower than piston pump by comparing the costs concerning investment,operation and maintenance of the diaphragm pump and piston pump,and comprehensive consideration of mine service life.The application shows that the diaphragm pump has better social and economic benefits in tailings transportation and saves operation costs by 30 %.