Mine Waste Research Articles

Mining waste management as part of the Mineral Resource Base Development Strategy of the Russian Federation

Mining waste management as part of the Mineral Resource Base Development Strategy of the Russian Federation

Numerical simulation of three-dimensional seepage field in a tailing pond under multiple operating conditions.

Establishing strong seepage stability for tailings dams is crucial for ensuring their safety and mitigating the risk of failure. This study developed a three-dimensional seepage numerical model using finite element numerical computation for four different elevation conditions (5070m, 5081m, 5159m, and 5213m) encompassing the pond area and dam body. Seepage calculations were conducted under normal and flooding conditions, and the tailings pond's seepage stability was assessed for various stacking scenarios. The spatial distribution pattern of the infiltration surface and the hydraulic stability of the tailings pond were evaluated, which provides insights into the three-dimensional infiltration stability. Examining the seepage stability under different accumulation conditions revealed distinct spatial distribution patterns of the infiltration surface and hydraulic ratio drop values. The findings indicated that the maximum permeability slope at 5070m elevation ranged from 0.66 to 0.75 at normal operation water level and maximum flood level. Most hydraulic ratio drop values at 5081m were below 0.2, while the anti-seepage lining sections at 5159m and 5213m showed larger values, and maintained the overall hydraulic ratio drop within safe limits. Consequently, the dam body's permeability was deemed secure, and no infiltration damage was anticipated with the proposed design of seepage control and drainage facilities. Moreover, sensitivity analysis of the tailing sand's permeability coefficient demonstrated that variations between 0.2 and 5 times the given parameter align with the seepage control requirements for the tailings dam. Additionally, local geomembrane breakage was found to have minimal impact on the tailing pond's seepage field and the dam body's permeability stability, which provides a scientific foundation for analyzing and designing the seismic static-dynamic stability of the tailings pond.

Radioactivity Levels and Heavy Metal Concentration in Mining Areas in Zacatecas, Mexico

The state of Zacatecas (Mexico) is one of the places most affected by pollution from the mining industry. A total of 21 samples from two areas were collected (6 samples from zone A and 15 samples from zone B) to evaluate the level of radioactivity and the degree of contamination with heavy metals. The activity concentration for 238U and 232Th was within typical values but that of 226Ra exceeded the value of 60 Bq kg−1 in both areas. In some places, the concentration of 40K was higher than the world average according to UNSCEAR. The radium equivalent activity Raeq and outdoor gamma exposure dose (D) indicated that some sites presented a radiological risk for the population. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) presented a higher risk than the world average in both sampled areas. Other parameters, such as the radiation index Ri, the external risk index Hex, and the internal risk index Hin, also indicated that there was a greater risk due to radiation exposure in these areas. In the case of heavy metals, some parameters, such as the EF, the Igeo, and the CF, showed that some places in zone A and zone B were contaminated with As and Pb. However, the concentration of selenium obtained by ICP-MS in the sampled soil was higher than the average in the Earth’s crust, both in mine waste dumps and in unaltered soil, which indicated that the background concentration for selenium in these places is higher than the world average.

Presence of Potentially Toxic Elements in Historical Mining Areas in the North-Center of Mexico and Possible Bioremediation Strategies

This paper provides an overview of the impacts of mining-related environmental liabilities on humans, soils, sediments, surface water and groundwater across various mining districts in Zacatecas, Mexico. An analysis has been carried out on the areas of the state most affected by the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, chromium and zinc, identifying priority areas for environmental assessment and remediation. Likewise, a review of the concentrations of PTEs reported in different environmental matrices of the state’s mining areas with the presence of environmental liabilities was carried out, most of which exceed the maximum permissible limits established by Mexican and international regulations, generating an environmental risk for the populations near these districts due to their potential incorporation into the food chain. Additionally, this study explores research focused on the biostabilization of PTEs using microorganisms with specific metabolic activities. Phytoremediation is presented as a viable tool for the stabilization and elimination of PTEs, in which endemic plants from arid–semi-arid climates have shown favorable results in terms of the phytostabilization and phytoextraction processes of the PTEs present in mining waste.

Integrated Assessment of Metal Contamination of Soils, Sediments, and Runoff Water in a Dry Riverbed from a Mining Area Under Torrential Rain Events

Dry riverbeds can transport mining waste during torrential rain events, disseminating pollutants from mining areas to natural ecosystems. This study evaluates the impact of these mine wastes on soils, sediments, and runoff/pore water in the La Carrasquilla dry riverbed (southeastern Spain). An integrated approach utilizing geochemical and mineralogical techniques was employed, analyzing water, soil, and sediment samples from both the headwater and mouth of the riverbed. Soil profiles and pore water were collected at 30 cm, 60 cm, and 90 cm deep, alongside sediment and runoff water samples. The assessment of metal(loid) contamination focused on arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, manganese, zinc, and lead, utilizing sequential extraction to evaluate metal partitioning across soil phases. Various pollution indices, including the contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (RI), and metal(loid) evaluation index (MEI), were employed to classify contamination levels. The highest level of contamination was reported in the headwater, which suggested anthropogenic activities linked to the presence of mining residues as the major source of metal(loid)s. However, an active deposition of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was reported in the topsoil at the mouth. In the headwater, a quartz and muscovite-rich zone exhibited the highest Cf for Pb (1022), primarily bound to the soil residual fraction (62.8%). At the headwater and mouth, pore water showed higher concentrations of sulfate, Ca, Na, Cl, Mg, and Mn and higher salinity than acceptable limits for drinking water or irrigation established by the World Health Organization. Runoff-water metal concentrations surpassed established guidelines, with MEI values indicating significant contamination by cadmium (36.1) and manganese (19.0). These findings highlight the considerable ecological risk of Pb and underscore the need for targeted remediation strategies to mitigate environmental impacts in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon.

Phytoremediation of Mercury and Cyanide Contaminated Soils by Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas L.) and Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Mercury and cyanide are compounds that have the potential to pollute the environment, both of which are found in the tailing waste of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) and citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) to absorb mercury and cyanide in soils polluted with tailings waste based on the value of transfer factors. During this research stage, the remediation of soil polluted with amalgamation tailings and cyanide tailings was carried out for 28 days. Soil sampling was carried out every seven days for 28 days, while root and leaf sampling was carried out on day 28, analysis of mercury and cyanide content in soil and plants using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and UV-visible spectrophotometer. After 28 days of remediation, mercury and cyanide levels may decrease in soil by 93.7% for mercury and 81.8% for cyanide. The decrease can be caused by absorption and accumulation in plants, where mercury and cyanide accumulate more in physic nut than citronella grass. Physic nut and citronella grass have a transfer factor value of <1 for mercury and cyanide, so they are an excluder plant, except for the accumulation of mercury in physic nut from cyanide tailings soil, which has a transfer factor value of >1, which is an accumulator plant.

Review of Heavy Metal Removal from Soil: Methods and Technologies

Soil health is vital for ecosystem functioning, agriculture, and human well-being, yet heavy metal contamination poses significant risks to environmental and public health. This review examines various methods for removing heavy metals from contaminated soils, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological remediation techniques. Sources of contamination, including industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal, are discussed, alongside the environmental and health impacts of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury. Physical techniques such as soil washing and excavation effectively reduce contamination but generate secondary waste and incur high costs. Chemical methods, including soil stabilization and chemical leaching, immobilize or extract metals but may risk recontamination. Biological approaches like phytoremediation and bioremediation leverage natural processes for eco-friendly remediation, though they often require longer timescales for significant results. Emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology and biochar application, show promise for enhancing remediation efficacy. However, challenges remain, including economic constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, and the need for sustainable, long-term solutions. Future directions include integrating various remediation techniques, developing eco-friendly technologies, and emphasizing long-term monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of remediation efforts. This comprehensive overview aims to inform future research and policy development to address heavy metal contamination sustainably.

Impact of Acid Rain on Release Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Low-Sulfur Tailings with Strong Acid Neutralization Capacity: A Case Study from Northern Guangxi, China

Tailing ponds are major sources of heavy metal pollution. Previous studies primarily focused on tailings with high sulfur content, with limited attention to low-sulfur tailings. This study explored the release behavior of Pb, Zn, and Cd from low-sulfur tailings under simulated acid rain conditions, considering factors such as pH, particle size, and weathering degree. Samples were collected from a lead–zinc tailing pond in the karst regions of northern Guangxi, China. Batch leaching experiments indicated that even with high acid neutralization capacity (ANC = 166.57–167.45 kg H2SO4/t), substantial heavy metal leaching occurred under acidic conditions (pH 2–3), with Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations increasing 4–6 times compared to neutral conditions. Leachate concentrations were slightly higher in coarser particles than in finer ones, while weathering further enhanced metal release, particularly for Cd. These findings suggest that acid neutralization alone may not be sufficient to prevent heavy metal leaching in low-sulfur tailings exposed to acid rain. However, due to the laboratory scale of this study, further validation through field-scale or mesocosm experiments is necessary to confirm the observed trends and assess their implications for environmental risk management in karst regions.

Comparative analysis of traditional and transfer learning algorithms for coal spoil classification via close-range imagery

ABSTRACT The characterisation of materials is a prerequisite for evaluating and predicting the stability of mining waste dumps. Over the past three decades, the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Coal framework has been a cornerstone in Australian coal mines for characterising waste dump materials. However, its reliance on subjective human observations has introduced potential inaccuracies and subjectivity into the process. In response to these limitations, this study proposes an innovative approach to classify coal spoil attributes by remotely acquiring images through phones/tablets. Automated image-based classification relies on feature extraction and a substantial amount of data. Nevertheless, the inherent complexity of geological factors contributing to the formation of both rare and dominant materials leads to imbalanced data. Recognising the need for classification mechanisms to overcome these challenges in spoil classification, the study explores and compares the use of convolutional neural networks, hybrid deep learning, and traditional techniques. Among the sixteen models evaluated in this study, the ResNet18-support vector machine model emerges as a powerful tool in geotechnical characterisation. However, it is essential to address issues of interpretability and adaptability to diverse datasets. As this study evolves, the field of geotechnical characterisation of spoil can anticipate the development of more robust methods in the future.

Study on the Development Rule of Mudstone Cracks in Open-Pit Mine Dumps Improved with Xanthan Gum

The stability of open-pit mine slopes is crucial for safety, especially for spoil dump slopes, which are prone to cracks leading to landslides. This study investigates the use of xanthan gum (XG) to enhance the stability of mudstone in spoil dumps. Various concentrations of xanthan gum were mixed with mudstone and subjected to dry–wet cycle tests to assess the impact on crack development. Pore and crack analysis system (PCAS) was utilized for image recognition and crack analysis, comparing the efficiency of crack rate and length modification. The study found that xanthan gum addition significantly improved mudstone’s resistance to crack development post-drying shrinkage. A 2% xanthan gum content reduced the mudstone crack rate by 45% on average, while 1.5% xanthan gum reduced crack length by 46.2% and crack width by 26.3%. Xanthan gum also influenced the fractal dimension and water retention of mudstone cracks. The optimal xanthan gum content for mudstone modification was identified as between 1.5% and 2%. Scanning electron microscopy imaging and X-ray diffraction tests supported the findings, indicating that xanthan gum modifies mudstone by encapsulation and penetration in wet conditions and matrix concentration and connection in dry conditions. These results are expected to aid in the development of crack prevention methods and engineering applications for open-pit mine spoil dump slopes.

Soil-forming factors controlling Technosol formation in historical mining and metallurgical sites in the high-alpine environment of the Tatra Mountains, southern Poland

The Tatra Mountains are a unique Central European alpine ecosystem where the non-anthropogenic soil cover and soil-forming processes are well recognized. However, the Technosols in the area’s high-mountain environment have not been studied in detail to date. Therefore the aim of this study was to identify the most important soil-forming factors controlling the properties of Technosols developed in historical mining and metallurgical sites in the Tatra Mountains of southern Poland active from the 15th Century until the end of the 19th. The present paper is one of the first attempts to study the genetic aspects of high-mountain Technosols in the temperate climatic zone. The study involved determining soil morphology and classification, soil properties, magnetic susceptibility, mineral composition, optical microscopic observations and total concentration of major elements. The studied Technosols were poorly developed soils with simple soil morphology (mainly A horizon in the topsoil and C horizons in the subsoil). There was a high content of rock fragments. The research has shown that the properties of Technosols in the Tatra Mountains were primarily determined by past human activities like mining and metallurgy as well as the type of anthropogenic parent material, which included mining wastes and metallurgical slags and determined soil properties together with mineral and chemical composition. Soil formation was significantly influenced by vegetation which was conditioned by the relief and climatic conditions dependent on altitudinal zonation. Vegetation and plant-derived soil organic matter shaped topsoil properties. The lengthy soil-forming process acting since a few centuries in some Technosols led to the formation of Bw horizons.

Data-Supported Prediction of Surface Settlement Behavior on Opencast Mine Dumps Using Satellite-Based Radar Interferometry Observations

To ensure the safe repurposing of post-mining landscapes, understanding and managing geotechnical risks, particularly ground movements such as settlements on opencast mining dump surfaces, is critical. Satellite-based radar interferometry (InSAR) technology offers highly detailed data on vertical ground movements with a high spatial and temporal resolution. By combining a data-driven approach, using InSAR-generated high-resolution datasets, with model-driven methods such as inverse modeling and classic time–settlement models, the efficient monitoring and prediction of opencast mine dump settlements can be achieved. This dual approach—leveraging advanced data analysis tools and precise modeling—yields valuable insights into spatial settlement behavior. In particular, classic time–settlement models are applied to the InSAR data through least square regression and Taylor approximation. The integration of both approaches enables the more robust, data-validated forecasts of key geotechnical indicators, such as the time to settlement stabilization and the expected maximum settlement over large areas. An application at a mine in central Germany illustrates the method by generating spatial predictions of the settlement behavior over more than 200 ha. In general, the results provide a comprehensive dataset for investigating other factors influencing the settlement behavior of opencast mine dumps.

Optimization of Hydrocarbon Production in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Macaúba Epicarp and Macaúba and Baru Endocarps

The objective of this study was to examine the catalytic pyrolysis process of three distinct types of biomasses: baru endocarp (ENB), macaúba endocarp (ENM), and macaúba epicarp (EPM). This was performed with the aim of optimizing the production of hydrocarbons and other volatile compounds of interest through the use of different catalysts. The catalysts utilized in this study were calcium oxide (CaO), phosphate mining waste (PO), niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), and Ni/Nb2O5. The methodology entailed pyrolyzing the biomass at temperatures spanning from 508 °C to 791 °C, utilizing a micropyrolyzer in conjunction with a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for product analysis. An experimental design was implemented to assess the impact of catalyst concentration and temperature on the yield and composition of the volatile products. The findings demonstrated that CaO was efficacious in deoxygenating the compounds, particularly at elevated temperatures, thereby promoting the generation of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In contrast, Nb2O5 was effective in the formation of oxygenated compounds, particularly carboxylic acids and phenols. Ni/Nb2O5 has been shown to be effective in the production of cyclic, aromatic, alkadienes, and alkenes hydrocarbons. Phosphate mining waste exhibited moderate performance, with potential for specific applications at high temperatures, with important production of cyclic, aromatic, and alkane hydrocarbons. Among the biomasses, EPM demonstrated the greatest potential for hydrocarbon production, indicating its suitability for the development of advanced biofuels. This study advances our understanding of the catalytic pyrolysis of alternative biomasses and underscores the pivotal role of catalysts in optimizing the process, offering invaluable insights for the sustainable production of biofuels and interest in renewable chemicals.

Constitutive behaviour of a granular matrix containing coal mine waste intermixed with rubber crumbs

AbstractTraditional railway substructure materials (i.e., natural crushed rock aggregates used for ballast and capping layers) degrade under service loads, incurring higher periodic maintenance costs compared to recycled materials. Using recycled waste materials such as coal wash and rubber crumbs for infrastructure upgrades not only reduces construction and maintenance costs but also supports environmental sustainability. By exploring unconventional avenues, earlier studies have delved into the viability of blending rubber crumbs (RC) and coal wash (CW) as an innovative substitute for traditional railway substructure materials, with a specific focus on the capping layer. This study introduces a semi-empirical constitutive model to simulate the response of mixtures of coal wash and rubber crumbs (CWRC) using the bounding surface plasticity framework. The novelty of this study is that a modified volumetric strain expression is introduced to capture the compressibility of rubber, thus enabling a more accurate representation of the internal deformation of rubber within the granular matrix. The variation of rubber content in the mixture is captured by the corresponding critical state void ratio surface and the hardening modulus. The theoretical model is then calibrated and validated using static drained triaxial test data for CWRC mixtures as well as mixtures of steel furnace slag, coal wash, and rubber crumbs (SFS + CW + RC).

Investigating the compaction and the mechanical behaviors of coal gangue as subgrade filler and constructing highway subgrade in practice

Using coal gangue as subgrade filler (CGSF) can address the accumulated issues of coal mine waste, but also save the constructing costs, which has the important ecological and engineering practical value. The well-graded limit of CGSF was captured based on the fractal model grading equation (FMGE). The large-scale vibration compaction test (LCT) shows that particle grading has a remarkable influence on the compaction of CGSF, with the increase of fine particle content, the dry density of sample first increases and then decreases. On this basis, the optimal range of particle grading was obtained. A series of large-scale triaxial tests (LTT) were conducted to investigate the mechanical behaviors of CGSF. The results shown that (1) the peak deviatoric stress shows a well-quadratic correlation with the fractal dimension. The optimal grading range of CGSF captured by LTT and LCT is basically the same, hence the suggestion of acquiring the optimal grading through LCT was given. (2) Increasing the compaction degree (DC) can significantly improve the strength of CGSF if DC is smaller, while when DC is greater, the strength improved by increasing DC will not be significant. (3) The grading and DC have a significant impact on the cohesive force of CGSF, while have little effect on internal friction angle. In addition, the research results provide good guidance for the constructing of a highway subgrade in practice.

Analysis on the Influence law and Mechanism of the Strength of Reclaimed Aggregate-Industrial Waste Slag Solidified Silt

To optimize the usage of construction waste resources, industrial waste slag and silt, this paper used Portland cement, mineral waste residue and phosphogypsum composite to make cementing material (CMPS) with construction waste reclaimed aggregate to solidify silt. The laboratory solidification test and microscopic analysis were conducted to assess the mechanical characteristics of solidified sludge. In order to clarify the mineral composition, microscopic morphology and pore characteristics of the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt (SS), XRD, SEM and nitrogen adsorption pore analyzer were employed for further explore the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt effectively, and further reveal the internal mechanism of the regenerated aggregate and CMPS solidified silt effectively. The findings indicated that the strength of Portland cementmineral waste residue phosphogypsum terpolymer system curing agent increased by 107.34% than that of single Port-land cement SS at 56 d, and the strength of CMPS solidified silt increased by 25.68% under the action of reclaimed aggregate framework. The maintenance period and water composition of the silt have high correlation with the strength. Therefore, influence law of above two influencing factors on its mechanical properties were further explored and the strength prediction were made. The microscopic test results showed that, drawing from the hydration of Portland cement and pozzolans reaction of mineral waste residue, the solidified system has pre-pared CaSiO3 hydrate gel and ettringite crystals with gelatinous properties, which help to fill the pores and form a denser structure.

THE IMPACT OF GEOLOGY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN MINING OPERATIONS

Both biological populations and the terrain suffer greatly from mining. Mining activities upset plant communities, and the habitats that result from the mining become depleted, creating an extremely difficult environment for the growth of plants. The mining leaves behind nutrient-deficient sandy spoils that are hostile to plants, and methods of reclamation and revegetation aside from natural colonisation are extremely slow. The deforestation in all of the mine belts indicates that the woods are the primary victims of these activities. As a result, the district's natural lush, green scenery has been replaced with mine waste in numerous areas. Despite its positive effects on the economy, the mining industry nevertheless has an adverse effect on the environment. India environment is greatly impacted by mines, both socially and biologically. The use of mining as a means of subsistence and for economic growth carries significant implications. in terms of the environment. Local ecosystems are often destroyed when mines are opened.

Radon and Gamma Radiation Dose to the Population Residing Near the Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal Site in Uranium Mineralized Zone at Jaduguda

Members of the public residing in the villages situated near the uranium mill disposal site, such as those in the vicinity of uranium tailings ponds, may indeed be at risk of radiation exposure. Present study focuses to evaluate the radiological exposure condition for the resident of villages situated in nearby vicinity of the tailing disposal site in the uranium mineralized region of Jaduguda, Jharkhand, India. In this study, the dose from external gamma radiation and radon concentrations, both indoors and outdoors, is evaluated. The natural background radiation dose to the residents of villages located near the uranium mill tailings disposal site is estimated to be 2.99 mSvy-1. Radon and its decay products contribute approximately 57.6% of the radiation dose to the villagers, while gamma radiation accounts for 42.4%. Residents of villages near the uranium tailings ponds receive a radiation dose is within the typical range of global natural background radiation dose of 1-10 mSvy-1 to the members of the public.

Biochar Organic Fertilizer Combined with Indigenous Microorganisms Enhances the Growth of Landscape Grass Cultivated in a Substrate Mixed with Iron Tailings and Mining Topsoil.

Iron tailings from the mining process occupy vast land areas and pose a significant ecological risk. In order to reuse iron tailings resources and carry out in situ ecological restoration of a mine, in this study, a medium of mixed iron tailings and mining topsoil (m:m = 3:1) was used to plant landscape grasses, including Lolium perenne L. (L. perenne), Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. (P. alopecuroides), Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. (M. officinalis), and Medicago sativa L. (M. sativa). Biochar and chicken manure were used as biochar organic fertilizers and indigenous microorganisms were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tested grasses. They were applied to enhance landscape grass growth by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities and nutrient conditions. The results showed that the biochar organic fertilizers significantly promoted the growth of the four landscape grasses, notably P. alopecuroides, increasing plant height, root length, root weight, and leaf fresh weight by 169%, 60%, 211%, and 388%, respectively. Additionally, L. perenne exhibited the greatest height increase (10%) following the application of bacterial solutions. Moreover, indigenous bacterial solutions enhanced chlorophyll content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, with P. alopecuroides showing the highest chlorophyll increase of 58% and M. sativa exhibiting a 30.58% rise in PAL activity. The biochar organic fertilizer also significantly elevated soluble protein content in P. alopecuroides and M. sativa by 195% and 152%, respectively. It also effectively enhanced peroxidase (POD) activity in Poaceae grasses by 120% to 160%. After adding indigenous microorganisms, the rhizosphere soil of the landscape grass showed the highest Shannon-Wiener diversity index, reaching 3.561. The rhizosphere soil of M. officinalis had the highest microbial richness, with a value of 39. Additionally, the addition of indigenous microorganisms increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the four plants by 8-19%, 6-14%, and 8-18%, respectively. This study offers a new approach for managing mining waste and ecological restoration in mining areas.

Indirect estimation of compressive strength of cement-stabilized mine tailings by using ultrasonic pulse velocity for road construction

This study proposes a correlation formula between the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity UPV, and dynamic elastic modulus of cement-stabilized mine tailings CSMT. Samples were tested in curing times (1, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days) by cement amounts (2%, 4%, 6%). The findings demonstrated that the strength and wave velocities of CSMT were enhanced due to increased cement content and extended curing periods. A regression equation with a high coefficient of determination (R-square >0.95) was developed to establish a relationship between compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity UPV for tailings containing 6% cement content in both treated types. The study uncovered a strong relationship between pulse velocity and compressive strength in different CSMT mixtures. These findings indicate that UPV tests can accurately, rapidly, and without causing damage, and evaluate the compressive strength of CSMT for road paving. The results improve the advancement of environmentally friendly building materials and showcase the efficacy of non-destructive ultrasonic testing in assessing structural characteristics. The investigation has profound consequences in enhancing the quality and management of road construction industry, and the management of mining waste.