Geopolymerization of Mining Tailings as an Alternative for Its Use in the Construction Industry

C. Toledo, Patrizia Pereyra, M. Guzman, A. Ruiz, J. A. Rau

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The use of mining tailings-based geopolymer binder as a substitute for cement can be an interesting alternative to the problem of final disposing of large volumes of them. Indeed, mining tailings have a high silica content, which makes them suitable for geopolymerization. The tailings samples contain Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Sb, Cd and Bi, mainly. X-ray diffraction results show that the tailings are composed of quartz, SiO2 (81%). Geopolymerized tailing samples (GTPS) were obtained by varying the ratio of SiO2/ Al2O3 and SiO2/NaOH. The compressive strength of the GTPS varied between 2 MPa and 8 MPa. The electrical conductivity in the leaching tests varies between 13.91–16.11 mS/cm2 indicating that ions are present in the solution. However, the pH = 10.5 indicates that acidity is not being generated. The element that mostly leaches is iron. The highest percentage of leaching is observed for cadmium (69%) and chromium (93%). The concentrations of elements are under the maximum permissible limits for water according to the Peruvian legislation. However, mass transfer leach tests and immersion leach tests must be realized.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMINEXCHANGE 2024 SME Annual Conference and Expo
PublisherSociety for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
ISBN (Electronic)9781713896500
StatePublished - 2024
EventMINEXCHANGE 2024 SME Annual Conference and Expo - Phoenix, United States
Duration: 25 Feb 202428 Feb 2024

Publication series

NameMINEXCHANGE 2024 SME Annual Conference and Expo

Conference

ConferenceMINEXCHANGE 2024 SME Annual Conference and Expo
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period25/02/2428/02/24

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