Abstract
The rapid increase in mine tailings generation poses significant environmental challenges, with current disposal methods often unsustainable and leading to catastrophic failures such as tailing pond collapses or toxic slurry spills, resulting in fatalities and severe environmental damage. The urgency for sustainable construction materials is clear, particularly as the global focus shifts toward net-zero emissions and circular economies. Concrete, a primary construction material, traditionally depends on natural resources, making it imperative to explore alternatives that reduce environmental impacts. Mine tailings, with their rich elemental and oxide composition, present a promising option for partial replacement in concrete. Despite this potential, the mechanisms enabling the effective use of tailings remain unclear due to a lack of systematic classification and treatment methods. Literature shows that the chemical and mineral diversity of tailings, coupled with the absence of standardized protocols, has limited their commercial use, unlike established pozzolans. Treatment methods such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical activation are often applied without a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms, resulting in inconsistent outcomes. This study aims to classify mine tailings and investigate how proper treatments affect concrete durability. Through literature review and database analysis, the research evaluates how tailing properties and treatments influence durability. Findings show that appropriate classification and treatment are essential to improving performance, enabling more sustainable construction practices and supporting the circular economy. This work highlights the importance of standardizing treatment approaches and systematically exploring the potential of mine tailings in concrete, advancing environmental sustainability and long-term material viability.
Keywords
mine tailings, classification, treatment approach identification, durability, resource recovery.
DOI
10.5703/1288284318134
Recommended Citation
Cihan Yilmaz, Berika Ceren; Ince, Ceren; Cotsovos, Demetrios M.; and Ball, Richard James, "Impact of Systematic Classification and Identification of Treatment Methods of Mine Tailings on Concrete Durability" (2025). International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures. 5.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icdcs/2025/sce/5
Impact of Systematic Classification and Identification of Treatment Methods of Mine Tailings on Concrete Durability
The rapid increase in mine tailings generation poses significant environmental challenges, with current disposal methods often unsustainable and leading to catastrophic failures such as tailing pond collapses or toxic slurry spills, resulting in fatalities and severe environmental damage. The urgency for sustainable construction materials is clear, particularly as the global focus shifts toward net-zero emissions and circular economies. Concrete, a primary construction material, traditionally depends on natural resources, making it imperative to explore alternatives that reduce environmental impacts. Mine tailings, with their rich elemental and oxide composition, present a promising option for partial replacement in concrete. Despite this potential, the mechanisms enabling the effective use of tailings remain unclear due to a lack of systematic classification and treatment methods. Literature shows that the chemical and mineral diversity of tailings, coupled with the absence of standardized protocols, has limited their commercial use, unlike established pozzolans. Treatment methods such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical activation are often applied without a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms, resulting in inconsistent outcomes. This study aims to classify mine tailings and investigate how proper treatments affect concrete durability. Through literature review and database analysis, the research evaluates how tailing properties and treatments influence durability. Findings show that appropriate classification and treatment are essential to improving performance, enabling more sustainable construction practices and supporting the circular economy. This work highlights the importance of standardizing treatment approaches and systematically exploring the potential of mine tailings in concrete, advancing environmental sustainability and long-term material viability.
