Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2025

Two-way Valorization of Blast Furnace Slag: Synthesis of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate and Zeolitic Heavy Metal Adsorbent
Published on: February 21, 2017
Mechanical evaluation and optimal mixing ratios in co-disposal of phosphate mining tailings and waste rock
Gabriel Gomes Silva1,2, Rafael Cerqueira Silva3
1Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Catalão, Catalão, 75704-020, Brazil. gabriel_gomes@ufcat.edu.br.
Abstract:
Given the complexity of the behavior of mining tailings dams built by the technique of hydraulic embankments and the recurring dam ruptures globally, especially in Brazil, ensuring enhanced safety through advanced disposal techniques becomes crucial. While the co-disposal method has been extensively explored for various mineral substances, a notable gap exists in the literature concerning its application specifically to tailings and waste rock generated from phosphate mining operations. This study aims to identify the optimal ratio for a mining tailings and waste rock mixture and evaluate its mechanical behavior in comparison to individual materials. Geotechnical characterization provided essential data for evaluating the applicability of the co-disposal technique. The mechanical behavior was evaluated with direct shear tests, revealing that mixtures exhibit significant improvements in shear strength, particularly in the internal friction angle, compared to pure tailings. The mixtures display cohesion values between those of waste rock and tailings, influenced by suction effects under unsaturated conditions. Microscopic and X-ray analyses further highlight the distinct microstructural characteristics influencing the mechanical behavior of the mixtures. This comprehensive study contributes valuable insights into optimizing co-disposal practices for phosphate ore mining waste, addressing crucial aspects of safety and mechanical behavior in tailings and waste rock mixtures.
More Related Videos
08:21Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method
Published on: May 18, 2018
06:27Sandy Soil Improvement through Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation MICP by Immersion
Published on: September 12, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Solubility
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability
Deleterious Substances in Aggregate
Another type of impurity is clay and fine material that...
Mixing Concrete
Mixing Time
Factors Affecting Workability