Stabilization of Sulfidic Waste Rock Using Supplementary Cementitious Materials

This research is conducted under the framework of HOME: Hydrogen and Circularity in Västerbotten’s Mineral and Metal Industry, a project led by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in collaboration with Swerim and Boliden AB.

The study investigates the potential of utilizing innovative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) derived from desulfurized mine tailings to stabilize sulfide-bearing waste rock and mitigate the formation of acid rock drainage (ARD).

Waste rock, a byproduct of mining operations, is generated during the extraction of ore. Sulfide-bearing waste rocks, when exposed to water and oxygen, can produce ARD—a phenomenon that releases acidic, metal-contaminated water into the environment, posing serious ecological risks. As such, the sustainable and effective management of waste rock is a critical challenge in the mining industry.

Traditionally, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) has been employed to control ARD by forming a cemented matrix that limits the oxidation of sulfides within the waste rock. However, the high carbon emissions associated with OPC production present a significant environmental drawback, making it less suitable for sustainable waste rock stabilization.

The goal of this research is to identify a cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to OPC. The study will evaluate various reference materials, such as OPC and ground granulated blast furnace slag-blended cement, alongside the newly developed SCMs from desulfurized mine tailings.

Project Links

• Hållbar metallindustri i Västerbotten - IVL.se External link, opens in new window.
  
• HOME: Hydrogen and circularity in Västerbotten's mineral and metal industry
  Luleå University of Technology
  

Funding

HOME project: Co-funded by Tillväxtverket and the European Union (Just Transition Fund)

Analyses: Center of Advance Mining and Metallurgy - LTU

Main Collaborators

Building Materials, Luleå University of Technology

Boliden AB