Turning Mine Waste into a Ceramic Resource: Plombières Tailing Case

Mining and quarrying waste is the second largest stream in Europe. Sulfidic ore processing residues (tailings) pose a large challenge, because they contain hazardous metal(loid)s can lead to acid mine drainage. However, tailings also valuable base, precious, critical metals, which be used different technological applications, as well silicates clay minerals that offer possibilities for use building materials. In present study, potential of tailing material, from inactive Pb–Zn Plombières (Eastern Belgium), three ceramic products (roof tiles, blocks, pavers) was assessed, taking into account production parameters, product quality, environmental performance. After detailed physical, mineralogical, chemical characterization material original raw materials, mixtures were prepared on lab scale, primary materials (e.g., sand) replaced by 5, 10, or 20 wt% fine material. The technical, chemical, aesthetical properties each body their performance, considering 2nd life scenario, where shaped are demolished recycled aggregates. High additions roof tiles (10 wt%) blocks (20 resulted technical problems. On contrary, paver containing 10 showed better satisfying characteristics.