Use Of Mining Waste Research Articles

The Experimental Characterization of Iron Ore Tailings from a Geotechnical Perspective

The mining industry produces large amounts of tailings which are disposed of in deposits, which neglects their potential value and represents important economic, social and environmental risks. Consequently, implementing circular economy principles using these unconventional geomaterials may decrease the wide-ranging impacts of raw material extraction. This paper presents an experimental characterization of iron ore tailings, which are the most abundant type of mining waste. The characterization includes various aspects of behavior that are relevant to different types of use as a building material, including physical and identification properties, compaction behavior and stress–strain properties under undrained monotonic and cyclic triaxial loading. The tailings tested can be described as low-plasticity silty sand materials with an average solids density of 4.7, a maximum dry unit weight close to 3 g/cm3 and a higher angle of friction and liquefaction resistance than common granular materials. The experimental results highlight the particular features of the behavior of iron ore tailings and emphasize the potentially promising combination of high shear resistance and high density that favors particular geotechnical applications. Overall, the conclusions provide the basis for promoting the use of mining wastes in the construction of sustainable geotechnical works and underpin the advanced analysis of tailings storage facilities’ safety founded on an open-minded geotechnical approach.

Управление горнопромышленными отходами арктических промышленных предприятий: охрана окружающей среды и экономика производства

The problems of mining waste management at industrial enterprises and increasing the economy of production are among the most urgent ones, especially for the Arctic ecosystems, characterized by high sensitivity to external factors and the complexity of recovery. The research was conducted on the example of large industrial corporations directly operating in the Arctic, including PJSC PhosAgro, PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, Severstal Resource division of PJSC Severstal and PJSC NOVATEK. The key indicators related to waste management for 20182022 were analyzed. The trend of increasing volumes of mining waste in the Arctic was revealed, while the level of its utilization remained practically unchanged. It is proposed to intensify scientific research in the field of rational use of mining waste and to develop technologies for their processing, taking into account the impact on the Arctic ecosystems. It is suggested to create research and production centers for each industrial enterprise using the experience of the balanced “triple helix” model. It is recommended to actively participate in the Interdepartmental Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on the development of the mineral resource base and its rational use, created in 2023, to develop the scientific foundations for the extraction and processing of minerals and accelerate import substitution.

Mining waste as an alternative aggregate in brick production for carbon capture and storage

Abstract Production of waste rocks and overburden from ore mining in open-pit mines can cause undesirable environmental impacts. Thus, this study aims to tackle the issue of waste production from mining areas by utilizing mining waste to sequester CO2 and to evaluate its potential for carbon capture in cementitious material. This study attempts to evaluate the effect of mine waste ratio and carbonation curing time on physico-mechanical behavior of bricks. The bricks were fabricated using different ratios of mine waste, i.e. 20 – 40 % in the mix design. Carbonation curing between 1 – 3 hours was applied during the brick fabrication to estimate CO2 capture of the brick product. The brick performances were evaluated based on the compressive strength, water absorption and carbon capture capacity. It was found that curing time at 28 days provided the greatest compressive strength of the brick and greater performance was observed at 40 % replacement with the mine waste. Carbonation curing improved the brick performance with higher compressive strength and lower water absorption at longer exposure time of 3-hour carbonation. The resulting CO2 uptake was found to increase with the increase of carbonation time and at higher ratio of mine waste replacement. The CO2 capture capacity was between 0.45 – 0.58 % for bricks containing 20 – 40 % of mine waste, which corresponds to 9.4 – 16.3 g CO2/brick. Therefore, it has been shown that the use of mining waste as partial replacement for cementitious material was capable in improving the brick performance with incorporation of carbonation curing process.

Useful nanoparticles from mining waste and acid mine drainage

Mining waste can generate environment pollution including acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is dangerous for its surroundings and can pollute surface and groundwater it is contacting with. Nanomaterials are advanced materials used in all fields of human activity and development. However, their production is still expensive and may pollute the environment due to the chemicals’ used and/or production of the energy needed for their synthesis. A smart solution could be use of mining waste and AMD to produce nanomaterials with properties similar to the properties of nanomaterials obtained from clean chemicals. Thus both waste will be valorised / decontaminated and useful and needed materials produced. This paper presents production of nanoparticles and nanomaterials from mining waste and AMD with emphasis on iron- and copper-based materials, as well as some applications of the obtained materials.

Characterisation and Environmental Significance of Glauconite from Mining Waste of the Egorievsk Phosphorite Deposit

This article presents the results of a study of glauconite obtained from phosphate rock waste. The aim is to study the morphological, structural and chemical characteristics of glauconite and to determine the potential for secondary use of mining waste in the agricultural sector. The electromagnetic separation method was used to obtain glauconite concentrate. The optimum parameters for obtaining the maximum mineral content in the concentrate were determined. Studies have shown that glauconite is characterised by globular, granular grains of the highly mature variety. Glauconite almost invariably contains inclusions of pyrite and apatite, which significantly improve the characteristics of the fertiliser. Laboratory experiments have shown that glauconite waste and glauconite concentrate have a positive effect on plant growth and development. The high potassium content, the favourable globular shape of the grains, and the presence of apatite and pyrite inclusions indicate the potential use of glauconite from mining waste as a potash fertiliser. Application of glauconite fertiliser to the soil will provide an opportunity to improve its texture, providing better moisture and aeration. The use of glauconite fertiliser is particularly valuable on acidic soils where apatite can be dissolved, making phosphorus available to plants. This nutrient additionally favours plant growth, as well as reducing the risk of heavy metal accumulation in the soil. Thus, glauconite from the waste of the Egorievsk deposit represents a promising fertiliser for improving soil quality and increasing crop yields.

Study on the feasibility of partial replacement of cement with IOT in extruded concrete roof tiles production

The use of mining waste (IOT) as supplementary materials for cement has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping to mitigate the demand for natural resources and the impacts associated with their production.Concrete tiles have been gaining prominence in recent years due to practicality, aesthetics, weather resistance, attractive price, ease of fitting and useful life, however, there is no information in the literature about the effect of IOT as a pozzolanic material for partial replacement of Portland cement in these composites. Therefore, this study aims to expose the use of iron ore tailing (IOT) as a partial replacement for Portland cement in extruded concrete tiles in different proportions, qualifying and classifying them according to the marketing standards. The performance of concrete roof tiles using IOT was analyzed for bulk density, dry weight, apparent porosity, water absorption, wettability, breaking load, impact strength, coefficient of restitution, and thermal conductivity. In addition, microscopy and X-ray diffraction examined interactions between IOT particles and cementitious matrix at 28 days and after accelerated aging. Economic analyses regarding the effect of using IOT on the final cost of concrete roof tiles were also performed. The results showed that the concrete roof tiles produced with IOT presented suitable physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, highlighting the samples with 10% IOT as a replacement for cement, which proved superior to conventional tiles for the breaking load at 28 days, also presenting an average value reduction of 6.61% for porosity and 33.33% for wettability. All formulations were approved for breaking load according to the international marketing standard and may cut costs for companies producing cement roof tiles by up to 40%. In addition to reducing the potentially harmful waste in containment dams, IOT may lessen the demand for Portland cement and, consequently, CO2 emissions, producing more sustainable composites with significantly reduced manufacturing costs.

Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology

The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing the mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices and methods are introduced for efficient and socio-environmentally friendly use of mining wastes and non-exploited resources. The selection of a strategy for the sustainable transformation of a mine constitutes a complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides a critical analysis concerning the definition of the transformation problems and suggests a decision-making methodology for the selection of a strategy for sustainability with a case study of a closing surface lignite mine in Greece. The methodology combines (a) a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis of the factors of critical importance for the evaluation of alternative strategies, and (b) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied for the quantification and use of these factors for the selection of the most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. The results indicate that the proposed analysis can be used as a practical decision-making tool to resolve complex problems related to the mine closure and post-mining issues.

Mining Wastes as Road Construction Material: A Review

The mining industry manages large volumes of tailings, sludge, and residues that represent a huge environmental issue. This fact has prompted research into valorization of these wastes as alternative aggregates for concrete production, embankments, pavement material, etc. The use of mining wastes as a resource for construction presents two benefits: conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impacts of mining. In the case of road construction, the use of mining wastes has not yet been developed on a large scale and there is a major lack of specific legislation. This gap is due to the variety of exploited rocks, the diversity of tailings, mine residues, or valuable by-products slated for valorization, and the environmental specifics. This paper presents a review on recycling mine wastes as road construction material, including waste rock and mine tailings. Those materials were mostly used in infrastructure where soils had initially poor geotechnical properties (low bearing capacity, frost susceptibility, swelling risk, etc.). Different mining wastes were used directly or stabilized by a hydraulic binder through geopolymerization or, in some cases, with bituminous treatment. Overall, the use of mine wastes for road construction will have a considerable environmental impact by reducing the volume of waste and offering sustainable raw materials.

Uso de residuos mineros en la producción de hormigones asfálticos

Los residuos mineros constituyen un serio problema ambiental en todos los países donde se realice explotación minera. Teniendo en cuenta la gran cantidad de residuos mineros procedentes de la explotación y procesamiento de las lateritas niquelíferas en Cuba, el trabajo toma como hipótesis que, si demuestra la posibilidad real de emplear dichos residuos como sustituto parcial de los áridos en la producción de hormigón asfáltico, se pudiera disminuir el impacto ambiental negativo que provocan los mismos en los lugares donde se encuentran depositados. El objetivo del trabajo es demostrar la aptitud de los residuos mineros procedentes de presas de los procesos de beneficio de níquel y cobalto en los municipios de Moa y Nicaro, en la provincia de Holguín, Cuba. Tales residuos proceden de procesos de Lixiviación Carbonato Amoniacal y Lixiviación Ácida Presurizada. La metodología de investigación partió de la toma de muestras representativas en las presas de residuos, su posterior caracterización física, química y mineralógica, se realizó la caracterización de los áridos y cemento asfáltico utilizados en las mezclas objeto de estudio. Se realizó el diseño de las mezclas de hormigón asfáltico mediante el método Marshall. Posteriormente se hizo un análisis comparativo del comportamiento de los hormigones asfálticos realizados con fíller calizo y fíller de los residuos mineros investigados. Se demostró, a partir de ensayos de laboratorio, que es posible la fabricación de hormigones asfálticos con el empleo de residuos mineros del procesamiento de las lateritas niquelíferas de Moa y Nicaro, cumpliendo satisfactoriamente con los parámetros técnicos exigidos.

Eco-innovations: basic concepts and feasibility of development in Ukraine

The formation and development of effective modern technologies, threats of a socio-political nature, the aggravation of the relationship between society and nature form fundamentally new challenges regarding the state of the environment and the intensity of negative impacts. One of the main factors of the theory of sustainability is environmental innovations (eco-innovations), which provide a double benefit for the economy: economic growth and reduction of negative impact on the environment. Eco-innovations contribute to the development of a more ecological economy and the spread of so-called "clean technologies". Practical implementation of eco-innovation is possible only if it is an element of a certain system. Environmental engineering can be such a system. Environmental engineering is a relatively new discipline that is actively developing and aims to integrate ecological principles into the planning, design and construction of both land and water infrastructure. Ecological engineering allows the introduction of biological and chemical methods and systems that exist in nature for research and design of modern engineering systems. One of the options for implementing eco-innovations can be the use of mining waste in sanitation and environmental protection technologies. The mining industry produces the largest amount of waste of inorganic origin among all existing industries of human economy. The use of mining waste as an example of eco-innovation in sanitation and environmental protection is a promising direction of development and experimental research. A list of independent economic and managerial factors (predictors) is offered, which are indicators and a condition for the implementation of multi-cycle development based on the principles of sustainable development. The potential of circular economy mechanisms in relation to the implementation of investment projects using recycling is determined. The factors that prevent the spread of the best practices of sustainable development in the activities of Ukrainian enterprises are analyzed. The factors (limitations) include: lack of state incentives, ignorance of the field about eco-innovation methods, old concept of waste management, lack of infrastructure and eco-engineering technologies.

Incorporation of Bentonite Mining Waste in Ceramic Formulations for the Manufacturing of Porcelain Stoneware

Mining processes produce a massive amount of waste which, if not treated properly, can cause significant environmental and social impacts. Recently, some studies have focused on the use of mining waste as an alternative raw material. This work developed new sustainable ceramic formulations based on bentonite mining waste (BMW) for applications in porcelain stoneware. The BMW was incorporated into the ceramic masses in different percentages (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 40 wt.%), in partial replacement to feldspar and total to quartz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal calorimetry (DTA), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) techniques were used to characterize bentonite waste. Samples (50 mm × 20 mm × 5 mm) were obtained by uniaxial pressing. Such samples were dried and sintered at 1150, 1200, and 1250 °C. The physical–mechanical properties (apparent porosity, water absorption, linear shrinkage, apparent density, and flexural strength) were evaluated for sintered samples. The phases formed after sintering treatments were characterized by XDR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The BMW presented a mineralogical composition suitable for use as ceramic raw material. In summary, our results presented that the new sustainable ceramic formulations sintered at 1250 °C have the potential for use in stoneware and porcelain stoneware.

Study on the use of mining waste as raw material for extruded fiber cement production

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing agricultural limestone (AL) with mining waste (IOT) on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of extruded fiber cement. The experimental results showed that replacing AL with IOT either improved or maintained the technological properties seen on conventional fiber cement, highlighting the 25% IOT formulations replacing AL. The 100% IOT formulations replacing AL showed the technical feasibility of use and may assist in reducing the amount of waste disposed of in containment dams and, consequently, the environmental disasters related to the ruptures of such dams.

Use of mining waste as a novel low-cost material for fluoride removal from groundwater in CKDu endemic areas of Sri Lanka

A cost-effective fluoride removal process from groundwater using locally sourced waste materials was postulated for use in remote areas such as northern Sri Lanka. The process is relatively simple to operate, reduces fluoride levels to meet WHO guidelines and uses locally available waste from lime extraction. The “Natural Red Earth” (NRE) waste was a mixture of clays (12.43 wt%) and iron oxides (8.13 wt%) deposited on quartz (64.04 wt%). The smallest mesh size (<63 μm) of NRE was preferred to remove fluoride due to enrichment with aluminium and iron materials. Fluoride exchange kinetics were relatively fast (ca. 5 min) for NRE which was ascribed to sorption sites present in an active coating. Equilibrium studies revealed a low fluoride loading (0.009 meq/g). Thermal modification of the NRE at 350 °C increased the maximum fluoride uptake to 0.014 meq/g. Exposure of NRE to 1 M hydrochloric acid solution was preferred as the fluoride sorption capacity was promoted to 0.02 meq/g. Protonated surface sites on NRE were considered responsible for the enhanced fluoride sorption capacity. Acid activated NRE successfully batch treated simulated groundwater contaminated with fluoride ions to meet WHO guidelines. Practically, NRE may be used in addition to a sand filter and charcoal bed if required to remove organic matter. The economics for constructing and using a new NRE based treatment system is suitable for rural farming communities in Sri Lanka.

Mathematical modeling of processes of technogenic deposits development

The article aims to substantiate the tendency to solve the problem of the mineral and raw material base of non-ferrous metals due to the involvement of technogenic origin in substandard metal-containing raw materials. Critical analysis and systematization of new information on the current state of the mineral and raw materials base of non-ferrous metals and the environmental problems of mining associated with it. New data on the recovery and loss of metals in the process of ore dressing are presented. It is shown that the total value of metals in waste is comparable to the value of potential mineral resources in the bowels. The problems of the use of mining waste should be solved in a single package with environmental problems by creating a single technological cycle for the extraction and processing of industrial minerals of industrial waste, the use of which can make the development of industrial deposits economically viable. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using best practices for non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises that are searching for ways to survive in the conditions of the establishment of market relations.

The Recent Progress China Has Made in Green Mine Construction, Part I: Mining Groundwater Pollution and Sustainable Mining.

With the development of technology, the concepts of “green” and “sustainable” have gradually been popularized in all walks of life. With the continuous development of the world mining industry, the efficiency of resource development in various countries has been improved, but mining activities and production will undoubtedly bring many environmental pollution problems. As a mining power, China is one of the first countries to put forward the concept of “green mining”. Over the years, as people emphasize safety and environmental protection, green mining technology has become the hot topic. At the same time, groundwater pollution caused by mining has become the focus of China’s “green mine construction”: with the continuous development of mining, mining activities and production will also undoubtedly bring significant environmental pollution. The environmental pollution of the mined area has a vital influence on the surrounding environment. The pollutants mainly come from mining operations and production of the mineral processing industry, including process wastewater, gas waste, smelting slag, etc., which are all acidic. Acid mine drainage (AMD) occurs in the process of mining production, due to the structure of minerals and the complex reactions between oxygen and minerals, and results in heavy metal ions leaching into groundwater. Once the groundwater is polluted, it will slowly flow to the surrounding area, resulting in the migration and diffusion of pollutants in the groundwater, affecting the surrounding rivers, farmland, and drinking water for residents. In recent years, environmental damage caused by groundwater pollution from underground mines in Shijiazhuang, China, and Selangor, Malaysia, has had a negative impact on rivers, farmland, and human health. At the same time, the paper introduces many key technologies of green mine construction, such as the backfill mining method. In cooperation with China Road & Bridge Corporation, this paper also introduces the progress in the reuse of mining waste, especially the use of mining waste as aggregate to prepare concrete materials for road and bridge construction. This information article introduces the development status of green mine construction in China and briefly reviews the key technologies of green mine construction in China.

Understanding the acid dissolution of Serpentinites (Tailings and waste rock) for use in indirect mineral carbonation

Solid carbonates can be formed by indirect mineral carbonation using the pH swing method for CO2 storage. It occurs at low temperatures and pressures in four stages: acid dissolution, purification, carbonation, and recovery. Although acid dissolution requires short reaction time that favors the extraction of reactive metals, lack of knowledge about the effects of temperature, acid concentration and particle size on metal extraction reveals that it is a critical stage of indirect mineral carbonation. In order to employ mining waste for indirect mineral carbonation, acid dissolution of serpentinites, tailings (SERP-GO) and waste rock (SERP-MG) were investigated, and their performances were compared. A Taguchi experiment design was used to assess the parameters that influence the acid dissolution process. Hydrochloric acid was used in acid dissolution for Mg and Fe extraction from both, SERP-GO and SERP-MG, and the process parameters (temperature, acid concentration, particle size and excess acid) were evaluated for 2 h of reaction. According to signal-to-noise ratio analysis of the Taguchi method, the optimized condition for Mg extraction of both samples was at 70 °C, 4 M HCl, 69 μm and twice the excess acid. The results indicated that of Mg and Fe extraction from de samples was more efficient for SERP-GO (71% and 85%) than SERP-MG (33% and 31%). Based on these findings, it was possible to have a better understanding of the factors affecting the dissolution of serpentinite tailings, to develop a more effective process for the use of mining waste in the indirect mineral carbonation process.

Use of dimensional limestone mining waste as flexible pavement material

In the present study, use of mining waste, generated during mining of dimensional limestone is recycled, and used in different layers of flexible pavement. The waste was generated in the form of slurry and boulders. Slurry was dried and used as an additive to improve the property of black cotton soil. Addition of slurry was done at interval of 5% and mix were evaluated on the basis of improvement in geotechnical properties. Boulders were recycled into coarse aggregates of various sizes and were used as partial replacement to conventional aggregates. Recycled dimensional stone aggregates (DA) were used as replacement aggregates in bituminous mixes, and then were evaluated for strength and durability properties. Test results indicate that incorporation of 17–19% of limestone stone slurry by weight replacement of black cotton soil improves workability, strength of soil. Laboratory investigation also showed that recycled limestone stone aggregate can be used as 50% replacement in bituminous concrete and 25% in dense bituminous macadam.

Retention of Pollutants Elements from Mine Tailings of Lead in Geopolymers for Construction.

The construction sector is one of the most demanding sectors of raw materials in existence today. As a consequence, the extraction of these materials has a significant impact on the environment. At the same time, mining activities produce a series of wastes, in some cases with polluting elements, which must be treated to avoid pollution. Therefore, the use of mining waste for the conformation of new construction materials is an important environmental advantage, even more so when such waste is prevented from producing polluting leachates. Therefore, in this research, geopolymers are developed with mine tailings from the Linares lead mines, chemically activated with potassium hydroxide. For this purpose, different percentages of the alkaline activator were tested and the physical and mechanical properties of the conformed materials were evaluated. The analysis of the different conformed geopolymers determined the optimum percentage of potassium hydroxide for conforming the geopolymer with the best mechanical and physical properties. In addition, the concentration in the leachate of potentially contaminating chemical elements in the mining waste was estimated to be lower than those regulated by the regulations. Consequently, this research shows the development of a sustainable material for construction with mining waste and reduction of the environmental impact of traditional products.

Mullite-Based Ceramics from Mining Waste: A Review

Mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2) is an aluminosilicate characterized by excellent physical properties, which makes it an important ceramic material. In this way, ceramics based on mullite find applications in different technological fields as refractory material (metallurgy, glass, ceramics, etc.), matrix in composite materials for high temperature applications, substrate in multilayer packaging, protective coatings, components of turbine engines, windows transparent to infrared radiation, etc. However, mullite is scarce in nature so it has to be manufactured through different synthesis methods, such as sintering, melting-crystallization or through a sol-gel route. Commonly, mullite is fabricated from pure technical grade raw materials, making the manufacturing process expensive. An alternative to lowering the cost is the use of mining waste as silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) feedstock, which are the necessary chemical compounds required to manufacture mullite ceramics. In addition to the economic benefits, the use of mining waste brings out environmental benefits as it prevents the over-exploitation of natural resources and reduces the volume of mining waste that needs to be managed. This article reviews the scientific studies carried out in order to use waste (steriles and tailings) generated in mining activities for the manufacture of clay-based ceramic materials containing mullite as a main crystalline phase.

Recovery of Mining Wastes in Building Materials: A Review

The use of materials from waste in buildings compensates for the lack of natural resources, solves the problem of waste management and provides an alternative technique for protection of the environment. There are a large number of industrial wastes that are used for full or partial replacement of raw materials in some construction materials. This review assesses mining waste in concrete as a substitute for aggregates and cement; in fired bricks as a substitute for soil; and in road backfill as a substitute for soil. This paper reviews some mining tailings, mine waste rocks and some slags obtained in the exploitation and/or processing of some ores including iron, gold, lead, phosphate, copper, coal, etc. Different physical properties, mechanical properties, chemical properties, heavy metal content, mineralogic composition, geotechnical properties and environmental properties (leaching test) of the mine wastes were examined. The physical, mechanical and environmental properties of the materials obtained by substitution of raw materials by mine waste were examined and compared to reference materials. Mining waste in cementitious materials offers good compressive strengths, while the porosity of the concrete and/or mortar is a factor influencing its toxicity. As for the waste in fired bricks, fired at a temperature of 900°C or more, it offers convincing compressive and flexural strengths. The few research studies obtained on the use of mining waste in road embankments have shown that mining waste can be used as a sub-base layer and backfill as long as it is not toxic. In addition, several other mining wastes require special attention as substitutes for raw materials in construction materials, such as coltan, cobalt.