Preparation of blocks from tailings

Abstract

This work is related with the preparation of block from mining wastes (tailings), since in the mining district of Pachuca-Real del Monte the presence of these residues is a factor considered of high pollution and this type of study allows mitigation of the problem and presents an economically feasible alternative for this purpose. The mineral phases existing in the material are quartz, anorthoclase, orthoclase, albite and berlinite; it was found that the tailings have a particle size of 60 % minor to mesh 270 (53 µm). The blocks produced using these tailings as fine aggregated were reinforced using expanded perlite and pumucite as coarse aggregates and as cementing agents. The blocks so produced, presented at the end of set compression strengths equal or greater tan 8 MPa, and an absorption rate between 35 and 19 %; and the blocks can be used in internal or load walls.