Mine tailings and geopolymerization
Mier González, Raquel (2025)
Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2025
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251031104663
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20251031104663
Tiivistelmä
This literature review on mine tailings valorisation and geopolymerization has been written within the project Secondary waste streams, added value and productization (SETELIT), which will be realized from 1.3.2023 to 30.11.2025. The project is implemented by Geological Survey of Finland GTK and Savonia University of Applied Sciences.
This study briefly reviews different techniques for converting mine tailings into valuable resources, including cemented paste backfill, supplementary cementitious materials, concrete aggregates, and precursors for geopolymer binders. The latter have emerged in recent years as a potential alternative to traditional cement.
The review also describes the different components of geopolymers, including aluminosilicate precursors and activators. The most researched aluminosilicate precursors are blast furnace slag, fly ash and metakaolin. Common activators include alkaline mediums with Na-, K hydroxides and soluble alkali-silicates, as well as acidic medium with phosphoric acid. Finally, the geopolymerization process is discussed.
This study briefly reviews different techniques for converting mine tailings into valuable resources, including cemented paste backfill, supplementary cementitious materials, concrete aggregates, and precursors for geopolymer binders. The latter have emerged in recent years as a potential alternative to traditional cement.
The review also describes the different components of geopolymers, including aluminosilicate precursors and activators. The most researched aluminosilicate precursors are blast furnace slag, fly ash and metakaolin. Common activators include alkaline mediums with Na-, K hydroxides and soluble alkali-silicates, as well as acidic medium with phosphoric acid. Finally, the geopolymerization process is discussed.