Stabilization of gold mine tailings: The effect of hydrated lime on the unconfined compressive strength

Abstract

Stabilization of gold mine tailings for application in the building and construction industry, provides a significant solution to the shortage of building and construction materials for the country's growing population. The use of gold mine tailings in the production of building blocks / bricks, is examined in this study. The tailings used in the study were characterized by having an optimum moisture content (OMC) of 14.92% and a maximum dry density (MDD) of 1 757 kg/m3. The specimens were cured at a temperature of 80oC and hydrated lime was added as a stabilizing additive to enhance the chemical and geotechnical properties of the material. The use of lime as a stabilizing additive was successful in increasing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the material. UCS was improved from 0.04MPa to a maximum strength of 3.02MPa. As far as the UCS is concerned, the optimum tailing: lime was obtained at a ratio of 70:30 and the produced material is suitable as masonry.