Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vinodhkumar Shanmugasundaram, Balaji Shanmugam
Summary: The study evaluates the use of magnesite mine tailings (MMT) as subgrade in road construction by adding ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Various tests were conducted to analyze the compaction characteristics, strength, durability, and leaching characteristics of OPC-MMT mixes. XRD, FESEM, and EDX analyses were carried out to explore the stabilisation mechanisms. The results show that adding OPC improves the density and strength of the mixes, and the stabilized mixes meet environmental regulatory limits.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Shiyu, Liu Hui, Zhao Yingliang
Summary: Mining plays a crucial role in human history, but also has negative impacts on the environment and health. Mine tailings are a significant threat from ore processing. Geopolymerization offers a promising approach to recycle mine tailings and convert waste into value.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nahyan M. Rana, Negar Ghahramani, Stephen G. Evans, Andy Small, Nigel Skermer, Scott McDougall, W. Andy Take
Summary: This study analyzed the construction and failures of large reservoir facilities (LRFs) and tailings storage facilities (TSFs) worldwide, revealing that failures are influenced by various factors, with climate being a significant one. The research also indicated that the size and environmental impact of TSF failures have increased gradually, while the failure and fatality rates of LRFs have decreased over time.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Oscar A. Marin, Andrzej Kraslawski, Luis A. Cisternas
Summary: The mining industry generates a large amount of waste, some harmful to the environment while others valuable. Reprocessing mine tailings is becoming increasingly important, requiring the development of a simple method for assessing profitability. The study proposes a method for estimating the cost of mine tailings processing, applicable for other countries.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ian M. Power, Carlos Paulo, Hannah Long, Justin A. Lockhart, Amanda R. Stubbs, David French, Robert Caldwell
Summary: This study explores the potential for stabilizing brucite-bearing mine tailings through in situ cementation while sequestering CO2. The research shows that the abundance of brucite, water availability, and grain sizes are key factors influencing the carbonation process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Suheyl Erturk, Muge Sari Yilmaz, Sabriye Piskin
Summary: In this study, mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) was synthesized from mesoporous silica prepared from gold mine tailings for removal of anionic dye from aqueous solution. The effect of carbonization time, pH, contact time, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption process was investigated. Results showed that CMK-3 from gold mine tailings could be a cost-effective alternative to pure silica for dye removal.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zuoan Wei, Junkang Zhao, Wensong Wang, Yonghao Yang, Sunning Zhuang, Ting Lu, Zhenkun Hou
Summary: Limited recycling options and large stockpiles of gold tailings can lead to social and environmental issues, which can be alleviated through recycling. This study investigated the possibility of producing sintered bricks from gold mine tailings, with optimized process parameters found to be crucial for the properties of the bricks. Clay content, forming moisture, and sintering parameters were all found to have different correlations with the properties of the sintered bricks.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Tuomela, V Pekkala, A. Rauhala, A. Torabi Haghighi, P. Leviakangas
Summary: The mining industry produces significant amounts of waste materials, which can be used as alternative civil engineering materials. This study evaluated the frost behavior of tailings from metal mines in northern Finland and Sweden, finding that finer tailings are more susceptible to frost.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
R. S. Krishna, Faiz Shaikh, Jyotirmoy Mishra, Georgy Lazorenko, Anton Kasprzhitskii
Summary: The use of mine tailings as precursors of geopolymers shows promising potential for sustainable utilization and environmental benefits. However, due to the complex composition of mine tailings, further research is needed to better understand the geopolymerization process and the influence of various factors on the properties of mine tailings-based geopolymers.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xiang He, Zuhua Yuhua, Shaker Qaidi, Haytham F. Isleem, Osama Zaid, Fadi Althoey, Jawad Ahmad
Summary: This review paper discusses recent advances in the production of mine tailings-based geopolymer composites as a potential sustainable building material. It provides in-depth studies on the behaviors and characteristics of these composites and explores their physical properties, mechanical properties, durability properties, microstructural properties, thermal properties, leaching behavior, and potential applications. The article also highlights the need for further research on the environmental footprints and economic benefits of mine tailings-based geopolymer composites and outlines future study opportunities based on existing challenges.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haoxuan Yu, Izni Zahidi, Chow Ming Fai
Summary: This paper suggests that abandoned tailings ponds can be transformed into fertile agricultural land through effective reclamation efforts. Serving as a discussion paper, it explores the environmental and health risks associated with tailings ponds, as well as the potential and obstacles in repurposing them for agriculture. The discussion concludes that while there are significant challenges, there are encouraging prospects with the implementation of comprehensive efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Maria Terrones-Saeta, Jorge Suarez-Macias, Ana Maria Castanon, Fernando Gomez-Fernandez, Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias
Summary: This research focuses on developing geopolymers using mine tailings from the Linares lead mines, with the aim of creating a sustainable construction material and reducing the environmental impact of traditional products.
Article
Environmental Studies
Benjamin Cox, Sally Innis, Adnan Mortaza, Nadja C. Kunz, John Steen
Summary: Early-stage decision making on tailings disposal technology has significant and long-lasting impacts on mine economics and risk. This paper addresses the need for a comparable metric across tailings disposal options by developing a financial model and unified costing metric, and demonstrates its usefulness through a case study of a Chilean copper mine.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alba Gomez-Arias, Lola Yesares, Manuel A. Caraballo, Maleke Maleke, Danie Vermeulen, Jose M. Nieto, Esta van Heerden, Julio Castillo
Summary: The study characterized alkaline tailing ponds and waste rock dumps from PIC, finding samples with high neutralization potential suitable for neutralizing acid wastewater as alkaline reagents, and classified PIC wastes as non-hazardous according to South African regulations. The research also revealed that the wastes mainly release sulphates and non-toxic elements, with low concentrations of radionuclides below acceptable standards.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Valerie Cappuyns, Axelle Van Campen, Jillian Helser
Summary: Antimony (Sb) is a toxic element with critical importance, but there is limited data on the environmental impact of Sb mining in Vietnam. A study on mine waste and soil samples from Mau Due mine in North Vietnam revealed high concentrations of Sb in the waste samples and low release of Sb in water. Stibnite was found in one waste sample but not in soil samples.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pura Alfonso
Editorial Material
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maite Garcia-Valles
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Mariona Tarrago, Irene Royo, Salvador Martinez, Maite Garcia-Valles, Daniel R. Neuville
Summary: The large quantity of sewage sludge generated daily by wastewater treatment plants poses a major environmental problem and financial burden for plant operators. Valorization strategies focusing on reusing sewage sludge as a raw material are being developed, with vitrification being one method to reduce waste volume and create chemically stable glasses and glass-ceramics. The microhardness and leaching tests demonstrate that the glass and glass-ceramics made from the vitrification of sewage sludge in basaltic rock have high mechanical properties and chemical resistance suitable for ceramic tiles in the building industry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED GLASS SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Geology
J. F. A. Landa-Arreguin, R. E. Villanueva-Estrada, A. A. Rodriguez-Diaz, J. Morales-Arredondo, R. Rocha-Miller, P. Alfonso
Summary: Thermal manifestations, like the Rancho Nuevo hot spring, are common in central Mexico due to the volcanic activity in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Through geochemical and mineralogical analysis, this study revealed deep subsurface processes and the presence of hydrothermal activity in the area. The findings suggest a potential for exploring viable geothermal resources in central Mexico.
JOURNAL OF IBERIAN GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Pouria Mahmoodi, Ebrahim Rastad, Abdorrahman Rajabi, Pura Alfonso, Carles Canet, Jan M. Peter
Summary: Key questions regarding SEDEX deposits include the genetic model, conditions of mineralization formation, and timing of mineralization. Studies on SEDEX deposits in Iran suggest that sub-seafloor replacement plays a significant role in mineralization formation. The mineralization in SEDEX deposits is influenced by factors such as sedimentary environment and seismic deformation.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Abdorrahman Rajabi, Carles Canet, Pura Alfonso, Pouria Mahmoodi, Ali Yarmohammadi, Shahba Sharifi, Amir Mahdavi, Somaye Rezaei
Summary: The Ab-Bid deposit is the largest Pb-Zn deposit in the Behadad-Kuhbanan mining district in Central Iran. The mineralization formed in Middle Triassic carbonate rocks and is associated with a thermochemical sulfate reduction process. The formation of the deposit may be related to compressive and deformation stages in the Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous-Tertiary.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pura Alfonso, Miguel Ruiz, Ruben Nestor Zambrana, Miquel Sendros, Maite Garcia-Valles, Hernan Anticoi, Nor Sidki-Rius, Antonio Salas
Summary: This study examined the mineralogy of tailings and their products from Llallagua, finding significant tin reserves. It identified shortcomings in the processing system and aimed to design an improved scheme. The study also highlighted the need to enhance concentrate grade and metal recovery, reduce particle size of processed tailings, and investigate the recovery of rare earth elements from the concentrate.
Article
Thermodynamics
P. Alfonso, L. A. Penedo, M. Garcia-Valles, S. Martinez, A. Martinez, J. E. Trujillo
Summary: This study presents a chemical, mineralogical and thermal characterization of the San Jose kaolinitic deposit in Bolivia and finds that kaolinite is the dominant phase suitable for applications such as paper filling.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pura Alfonso, Oriol Tomasa, Maite Garcia-Valles, Mariona Tarrago, Salvador Martinez
Summary: The potential of using tailings from the Morille scheelite-bearing calc-silicate deposit as a commercial raw material for inert glass-ceramic was evaluated. The study focused on the nucleation and crystal growth temperatures of the glass. The results showed that the potentially toxic elements in the glass-ceramic were effectively bound in its structure, indicating its inert nature.
Article
Geology
Azucena Colin-Rodriguez, Fernando Nunez-Useche, Thierry Adatte, Jorge E. Spangenberg, Lourdes Omana-Pulido, Pura Alfonso, Teresa Pi-Puig, Alexander Correa-Metrio, Ricardo Barragan, Mario Martinez-Yanez, Juan Josue Enciso-Cardenas
Summary: Climate and oceanographic changes during the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2) and the Late Turonian-Coniacian Event (LTCE) in the Mexican Interior Basin were studied using sedimentological, microfacies, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis. The study identified typical 813C positive excursions that characterize both events. The accumulation of organic-rich sediments under warm and humid conditions led to eutrophication and anoxic/dysoxic bottom waters, as evidenced by elevated detrital proxies and phosphorus mass-accumulation rates. The presence of radiolarians, filaments, and opportunistic foraminifera further supports these marine conditions.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Garcia-Valles, A. Di Mariano, P. Alfonso, J. Nogues, S. Martinez
Summary: The relationships between the polymerization-related structure and composition of different types of natural resins were determined using FTIR, DTA-TG, and HSM analyses. Copal samples from the Mai-Ndombe Lake, Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as amber samples from Bitterfeld, Germany, and Kaliningrad, Russia, were examined. The FTIR spectra showed specific vibrational bands for copal and amber, indicating the presence of different functional groups. DTA and DTG analyses revealed distinctive thermal behavior for each resin type, while HSM allowed for the observation of sintering and material decomposition processes.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Garcia-Valles, D. Cuevas, P. Alfonso, S. Martinez
Summary: The study focused on the thermal properties and evolution of kaolinitic clay from the Terra Alta region. The mineralogy was mainly kaolinite and quartz, with minor illite, hematite, K-feldspar, and calcite. Firing temperature was predicted using linear expansion and absorption curves. The fired clays were composed of quartz, cristobalite, mullite, and minor hematite and rutile, with color varying based on hematite content.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)