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REUSE OF MINING TAILINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF INTERLOCKING BLOCKS
Igor Diniz1; Amanda Mendes, Sra1; Vinícius Park2; Leonardo Granato3
1Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil; 2Ouro Preto, Brazil; 3Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ponte Nova, Brazil

PAPER: 376/Recycling/Regular (Oral) OS
SCHEDULED: 17:30/Mon. 21 Oct. 2024/Dazzle D.

ABSTRACT:

Mineral exploration generates a significant amount of waste, whose improper disposal can cause adverse environmental impacts. This work investigates the use of mining waste in the manufacture of interlocking paving blocks, with the aim of promoting sustainability in civil construction and reducing environmental liabilities. For this purpose, the waste was processed through gravimetric separation methods, using a shaking table and Humphrey spiral, aiming to separate the sand from the iron contained in the waste. Gravimetric methods are based on the difference in density between minerals to promote separation. The shaking table, a device that uses vibratory movements combined with a water flow, separates particles according to their density and size. In this process, heavier particles, such as iron, are directed to one end, while lighter particles, such as sand, are collected at the other end. The Humphrey spiral, in turn, uses the centrifugal force generated by the spiral flow to separate particles of different densities, with the sand being collected on the outer parts of the spiral. After separation, the resulting sand was analyzed for its granulometry through sieving. This process involves passing the sand through a series of sieves with different openings, classifying the particles according to their size. Adequate granulometry is crucial to ensure the quality of interlocking blocks, directly influencing their strength and durability. The processed sand was then used in the production of interlocking paving blocks, employing a vibratory press. This equipment compacts the mixture of sand, cement, and water, forming high-density, high-strength blocks. Interlocking blocks are a sustainable and efficient alternative for paving, offering ease of installation and maintenance, as well as allowing rainwater drainage. To evaluate the quality of the produced blocks, standard compressive strength tests were carried out. These tests consist of subjecting the blocks to compressive forces until rupture occurs, measuring the maximum strength supported. The interlocking blocks manufactured with the processed waste sand achieved a compressive strength of 25 MPa, meeting the normative requirements for paving. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to use mining waste, properly processed, in the manufacture of interlocking paving blocks, contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts and promoting sustainability in civil construction. The application of gravimetric separation methods proved effective in obtaining sand of adequate quality, and the produced blocks showed satisfactory performance in compressive strength tests. This study reinforces the importance of innovative solutions for the management of mining waste, promoting material recycling and the circular economy. Furthermore, the use of waste in civil construction can represent an economically viable alternative, reducing costs with raw materials and minimizing the environmental liabilities associated with mining.

REFERENCES:
[1] Sant’Ana Filho, J. N.; Estudos de reaproveitamento de resíduos das barragens de minério de ferro para uso na pavimentação de rodovias e fabricação de blocos intertravados; 2013.
[2] Silva, M. A.; Uso de Rejeitos de Minério de Ferro na Fabricação de Concreto; 2018.
[3] ]Weba, L.C.; Concretos de Rejeito de Barragem de Minério de Ferro: uma investigação de suas propriedades à avaliação do ciclo de vida de soluções de engenharia para blocos segmentais; 2023.