Stabilisation of high-sulphide tailings with alkali activated fly ash – mechanical performance

Abstract

Mine tailings could represent a step forward in terms of the quality of the aggregates that usually accepted in civil engineering applications, due to their specific weight and compressive strength. The Neves-Corvo copper mine produces approximately 3 million tons of tailings every year, which could supply several construction works, at least in the south of Portugal. Nevertheless, this industrial waste requires stabilisation, not only due to their high sulphur content, but also due to mechanical performance demands. This paper focus on the stabilisation, without previous thermal treatment, of the mine tailings from Neves-Corvo.