Applying Chemometrics to Evaluate Tungsten Mining Residues Potential As Partial Cement Replacement

Abstract

Electroremediation and deep eutectic solvents are well-documented clean-up processes for metals extraction from solid matrices. Depending on the purpose, these treatments may generate a residue free of pollutants and critical raw materials. Several studies were conducted to re-insert treated secondary resources in building materials. However, there is a research gap in the improvement of reactive properties of these secondary resources. In addition, there is a lack of pozzolans that can optimize cementitious materials. This study investigates the pozzolanic reactivity of tungsten mining residues after receiving electrodialytic treatment in the presence of natural deep eutectic solvents. In all cases, thermal treatment after electroremediation potentiated the pozzolanic reactivity of tungsten mining residues, between 64% to 87%. The introduction of these pozzolanic resources in cementitious-based materials may increase their performance, enlarge the range of applications in the construction industry, reduce the environmental impact, and contribute to a circular economy.
 Keywords: electro-based technology, tungsten mining waste, construction material, pozzolanicity.

RILEM TC 277-LHS report: a review on the mechanisms of setting and hardening of lime-based binding systems

“…5). Nowadays, mainly due to environmental concerns, also other wastes are being studied to be used as pozzolans for lime composites, such as sewage sludge ash or mining wastes [196][197][198]. In some of those cases, depending on the application of the mortars (namely if as renders or plasters), non-toxic lixiviates and odors must be ensured.…”

Cement-based mortars production applying mining residues treated with an electro-based technology and a thermal treatment: Technical and economic effects

“…2 by siliceous or aluminosilicates amorphous substances from 1 g of raw mining residues was reported as 7.9 mg, from mining residues treated with only ED was 71.4 mg, and coupled with a thermal treatment was 547.6 mg, representing the last high pozzolanic potential [16]. Another study concerning the reuse of solid mining waste in cementbricks showed that mining waste can achieved good mechanical performance and be considered a pozzolanic material [41].…”

“…The pozzolanic properties of mining residues, alone or coupled with other treatments could be improved [16]. Amorphous silica (SiO 2 ) and alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) compounds present in fine graded materials, when combined with Ca(OH)…”

Life Cycle Assessment of Mortars Produced Partially Replacing Cement by Treated Mining Residues

“…Bearing in mind the potential of mining residues as a secondary source of raw materials with high economic potential and in risk of scarcity [49], the ED process was applied to mining residues as a way to contribute for circular economy targets [50]. Furthermore, the thermal treatment prospective for enhancing mining residues pozzolanic reactivity and improve durability properties, could enlarge the applicability of this material in construction products [19]. In this sense, mortars were produced with mining residues treated with the ED technology [27] and with ED plus thermal treatment [20].…”

“…In comparison to metakaolin production and effect [18], the thermal treatment is also regarded as a strategy to take advantage of amorphous silica and/or alumina from fine secondary materials, conferring them pozzolanic properties whilst increasing the durability proprieties of final products [19].…”