Title:
Metals in Mine Tailings and Prospects for Use in Cementitious Materials
Author(s):
Anne Mette Tholstrup Bagger, Stefanie Lode, Wolfgang Kunther, Pernille Erland Jensen
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
362
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
966-975
Keywords:
cementitious materials, early hydration, lead, metals, mine tailings, retardation, sulfide ore, zinc
DOI:
10.14359/51742022
Date:
6/18/2024
Abstract:
Due to extensive mining activities, mining waste generation accounts for the largest global waste stream. Currently, mining wastes are often deposited and remain an unexploited potential resource, e.g., for the construction industry, which suffers from material scarcity and high CO2 footprints. Mine tailings, the waste fraction from ore processing, are fine-grained and composed of major oxides like that of cement and come in large quantities, thus having the potential for beneficial use in the construction industry. A systematic approach to match mine tailing properties with cementitious material application could potentially reduce implementation time and cost.
One crucial aspect of implementing mine tailings into cementitious materials is that of unrecovered metals originating from the sulfide mineral ores, which are known to affect early hydration. This study found that lead sulfide is released to a higher degree than zinc sulfide under alkaline conditions despite a higher total initial zinc content. Increasing dosage up to 20% of mine tailings caused a promotion of hydration, while increasing the dosage up to 60% generated a retarding effect. The findings highlight the complex interplay between metal concentrations, dissolution trends, and hydration behavior in alkaline cementitious environments and are crucial for selecting appropriate cementitious material applications for heterogeneous materials like mine tailings.
Related References:
1. UN Environment Programme, Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis, 2022. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/sand-and-sustainability-10-strategic-recommendationsavert-crisis.
2. U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023, 2023. doi: 10.3133/mcs2023
3. M. Tayebi-Khorami, M. Edraki, G. Corder, A. Golev, Re-thinking mining waste through an integrative Approach Led by Circular Economy Aspirations, Minerals. 9(5) (2019) 286.
4. J.R. Owen, D. Kemp, Lèbre, K. Svobodova, G. Pérez Murillo, Catastrophic tailings dam failures and disaster risk disclosure, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 42 (2020). doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2019.101361
5. A. Benahsina, Y. El Haloui, Y. Taha, M. Elomari, M.A. Bennouna, Natural sand substitution by copper mine waste rocks for concrete manufacturing, Journal of Building Engineering. 47 (2022) 103817. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103817
6. Y. Benarchid, Y. Taha, R. Argane, M. Benzaazoua, Application of Quebec recycling guidelines to assess the use feasibility of waste rocks as construction aggregates, Resources Policy. 59 (2018) 68–76. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.01.004
7. Y. Benarchid, Y. Taha, R. Argane, A. Tagnit-Hamou, M. Benzaazoua, Concrete containing low-sulphide waste rocks as fine and coarse aggregates: Preliminary assessment of materials, J Clean Prod. 221 (2019) 419–429. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.227
8. A. El Machi, S. Mabroum, Y. Taha, A. Tagnit-Hamou, M. Benzaazoua, R. Hakkou, Valorization of phosphate mine waste rocks as aggregates for concrete, Mater Today Proc. 37 (2020) 3840–3846. doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.08.404
9. A. El Machi, S. Mabroum, Y. Taha, A. Tagnit-Hamou, M. Benzaazoua, R. Hakkou, Use of flint from phosphate mine waste rocks as an alternative aggregates for concrete, Constr Build Mater. 271 (2021) 121886. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121886
10. E. Fidanchevski, K. Šter, M. Mrak, L. Kljajević, G. Žibret, K. Teran, B. Poletanovic, M. Fidanchevska, S. Dolenec, I. Merta, The Valorisation of Selected Quarry and Mine Waste for Sustainable Cement Production within the Concept of Circular Economy, Sustainability (Switzerland). 14 (2022). doi: 10.3390/su14116833
11. J. Nouairi, W. Hajjaji, C.S. Costa, L. Senff, C. Patinha, E. Ferreira da Silva, J.A. Labrincha, F. Rocha, M. Medhioub, Study of Zn-Pb ore tailings and their potential in cement technology, Journal of African Earth Sciences. 139 (2018) 165–172. doi: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2017.11.004
12. G. Young, M. Yang, Preparation and characterization of Portland cement clinker from iron ore tailings, Constr Build Mater. 197 (2019) 152–156. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.11.236
13. L. Luo, Y. Zhang, S. Bao, T. Chen, Utilization of Iron Ore Tailings as Raw Material for Portland Cement Clinker Production, Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. 2016 (2016) 1–6. doi: 10.1155/2016/1596047
14. A.M.T. Simonsen, S. Solismaa, H.K. Hansen, P.E. Jensen, Evaluation of mine tailings' potential as supplementary cementitious materials based on chemical, mineralogical and physical characteristics, Waste Management. 102 (2020) 710–721. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.037
15. F. Vargas, M. Lopez, Development of a new supplementary cementitious material from the activation of copper tailings: Mechanical performance and analysis of factors, J Clean Prod. 182 (2018) 427–436. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.223
16. G. Yao, Q. Wang, Z. Wang, J. Wang, X. Lyu, Activation of hydration properties of iron ore tailings and their application as supplementary cementitious materials in cement, Powder Technol. 360 (2020) 863–871. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2019.11.002
17. S. Ramanathan, P. Perumal, M. Illikainen, P. Suraneni, Mechanically activated mine tailings for use as supplementary cementitious materials, RILEM Technical Letters. 6 (2021) 61–69.
18. S. Siddique, J.G. Jang, Assessment of molybdenum mine tailings as filler in cement mortar, Journal of Building Engineering. 31 (2020) 101322. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101322
19. A. Saedi, A. Jamshidi-Zanjani, M. Mohseni, A. Khodadadi Darban, H. Nejati, Mechanical activation of lead–zinc mine tailings as a substitution for cement in concrete construction, Constr Build Mater. 364 (2023). doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129973
20. X. Lyu, G. Yao, Z. Wang, Q. Wang, L. Li, Hydration kinetics and properties of cement blended with mechanically activated gold mine tailings, Thermochim Acta. 683 (2020) 178457. doi: 10.1016/j.tca.2019.178457
21. A.M.T. Bagger, W. Kunther, N.M. Sigvardsen, P.E. Jensen, Screening for key material parameters affecting early-age and mechanical properties of blended cementitious binders with mine tailings, Case Studies in Construction Materials. (2021) e00608. doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00608
22. C. Goulart Bezerra, C.A. Abelha Rocha, I.S. de Siqueira, R.D. Toledo Filho, Feasibility of iron-rich ore tailing as supplementary cementitious material in cement pastes, Constr Build Mater. 303 (2021) 124496. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124496
23. J. Kiventerä, P. Perumal, J. Yliniemi, M. Illikainen, Mine tailings as a raw material in alkali activation: A review, International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials. 27 (2020) 1009–1020. doi: 10.1007/s12613-020-2129-6
24. P. Perumal, H. Niu, J. Kiventerä, P. Kinnunen, M. Illikainen, Upcycling of mechanically treated silicate mine tailings as alkali activated binders, Miner Eng. 158 (2020) 106587. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106587
25. H. Paiva, J. Yliniemi, M. Illikainen, F. Rocha, V.M. Ferreira, Mine tailings geopolymers as awaste management solution for a more sustainable habitat, Sustainability (Switzerland). 11 (2019). doi: 10.3390/su11040995
26. F. Rao, Q. Liu, Geopolymerization and its potential application in mine tailings consolidation: A review, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review. 36 (2015) 399–409. doi: 10.1080/08827508.2015.1055625
27. N. Sedira, J. Castro-Gomes, Alkali-Activated Binders Based on Tungsten Mining Waste and Electric-Arc-Furnace Slag: Compressive Strength and Microstructure Properties, CivilEng. 1 (2020) 154–180. doi: 10.3390/civileng1020010
28. N. Cristelo, J. Coelho, M. Oliveira, N.C. Consoli, Á. Palomo, A. Fernández-Jiménez, Recycling and application of mine tailings in alkali-activated cements and mortars-strength development and environmental assessment, Applied Sciences (Switzerland). 10 (2020). doi: 10.3390/app10062084
29. A.U. Shettima, M.W. Hussin, Y. Ahmad, J. Mirza, Evaluation of iron ore tailings as replacement for fine aggregate in concrete, Constr Build Mater. 120 (2016) 72–79. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.05.095
30. K. Jankovic, D. Bojovic, M. Stojanovic, L. Loncar, The use of mine tailings as a partial aggregate replacemen in scc concrete, International Conference - Contemporary Achivements in Civil Engineering. (2015) 67–72. doi: 10.14415/konferencijaGFS
31. S. Zhao, J. Fan, W. Sun, Utilization of iron ore tailings as fine aggregate in ultra-high performance concrete, Constr Build Mater. 50 (2014) 540–548. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.10.019
32. R. Argane, M. Benzaazoua, R. Hakkou, A. Bouamrane, Reuse of base-metal tailings as aggregates for rendering mortars: Assessment of immobilization performances and environmental behavior, Constr Build Mater. 96 (2015) 296–306. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.08.029
33. R. Argane, M. Benzaazoua, R. Hakkou, A. Bouamrane, A comparative study on the practical use of low sulfide base-metal tailings as aggregates for rendering and masonry mortars, J Clean Prod. 112 (2016) 914–925. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.06.004
34. J. Duchesne, A. Rodrigues, B. Fournier, Concrete damage due to oxidation of sulfide-bearing aggregate: A review of recent advances and limitations, RILEM Technical Letters. 6 (2021) 82–92. doi: 10.21809/rilemtechlett.2021.138
35. N.P. Martins, S. Srivastava, F.V. Simão, H. Niu, P. Perumal, R. Snellings, M. Illikainen, H. Chambart, G. Habert, Exploring the potential for utilization of medium and highly sulfidic mine tailings in construction materials: A review, Sustainability (Switzerland). 13 (2021) 1–23.
doi: 10.3390/su132112150
36. S. Kundu, A. Aggarwal, S. Mazumdar, K.B. Dutt, Stabilization characteristics of copper mine tailings through its utilization as a partial substitute for cement in concrete: preliminary investigations, Environ Earth Sci. 75 (2016) 1–9. doi: 10.1007/s12665-015-5089-9
37. L. Lu, C. Xiang, Y. He, F. Wang, S. Hu, Early hydration of C3S in the presence of Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+ and the immobilization of heavy metals in pastes, Constr Build Mater. 152 (2017) 923–932. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.026
38. T.P. Dirkse, The Nature of the Zinc-Containing Ion in Strongly Alkaline Solutions, J Electrochem Soc. 101 (1954) 328. doi: 10.1149/1.2781254
39. Q.Y. Chen, M. Tyrer, C.D. Hills, X.M. Yang, P. Carey, Immobilisation of heavy metal in cement-based solidification/stabilisation: A review, Waste Management. 29 (2009) 390–403. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.01.019
40. J. Liu, H. Jin, C. Gu, Y. Yang, Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on early-age hydration and the mechanical properties of cement paste, Constr Build Mater. 217 (2019) 352–362. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.05.027
41. I. Fernández Olmo, E. Chacon, A. Irabien, Influence of lead, zinc, iron (III) and chromium (III) oxides on the setting time and strength development of Portland cement, Cem Concr Res. 31 (2001) 1213–1219. doi: 10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00545-2
42. S. Mingione, M.T. Pedersen, S.S. Sørensen, F. Winnefeld, F. Montagnaro, Y. Yue, Role of Zn in aluminosilicate glasses used as supplementary cementitious materials, J Non Cryst Solids. 614 (2023) 0–11. doi: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2023.122397
43. X. Li, K.L. Scrivener, Impact of ZnO on C3S hydration and C-S-H morphology at early ages, Cem Concr Res. 154 (2022) 106734. doi: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2022.106734
44. A. Bazzoni, M. Suhua, Q. Wang, X. Shen, M. Cantoni, K.L. Scrivener, The effect of magnesium and zinc ions on the hydration kinetics of C3S, Journal of the American Ceramic Society. 97 (2014) 3684–3693. doi: 10.1111/jace.13156
45. M.B.J. Lindsay, M.C. Moncur, J.G. Bain, J.L. Jambor, C.J. Ptacek, D.W. Blowes, Geochemical and mineralogical aspects of sulfide mine tailings, Applied Geochemistry. 57 (2015) 157–177. doi: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2015.01.009
46. EPA, Summary Report: Control and Treatment Technology for the Metal Finishing Industry - Sulfide Precipitation (625/8-80-003), 1980. http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=30004EDD.txt.
47. A.E. Lewis, Review of metal sulphide precipitation, Hydrometallurgy. 104 (2010) 222–234. doi: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2010.06.010