Alkaline Activation of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Modified Gold Mine Tailings for Building Material

The mining industry generates large quantities of waste as tailings. tailings have an adverse environmental impact. This study explored the utilization and stabilization Barberton gold mine (GMTs) basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) to synthesize geopolymers for other applications. geochemical, chemical, geotechnical properties GMT, BOFS, GMT geopolymer, GMT: BOFS geopolymer were also studied. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) potassium (KOH) used alkaline activators. highest unconfined compressive strength (UCS) recorded cured 5 days at elevated temperature 90°C was 4.31 MPa 6.59 NaOH KOH, respectively. attained UCS 20.0 25.7 MPa, with respectively, same curing conditions. Characterization binders showed that a good source calcium, which had positive effect on gels by balancing ionic charges. developed satisfied minimum requirements nonfacing building masonry stipulated ASTM C34-17a, C129-14c 0076a, SANS 227: 2007 burnt clay units can be backfill paste lightweight civil passed toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), results yielded low heavy metals concentration, indicating will not leach environment.