Work

Revalorization of Swedish Iron Ore Mine Tailings as Supplementary Cementitious Material through Mechanochemical Activation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The mining industry plays a crucial role in the economic development of many nations, but it also generates substantial waste, mainly in the form of mine tailings, which are commonly stored in dams, causing often environmental concerns. To address this issue, innovative methods are being explored for reprocessing and reutilizing these side streams. This study focuses on applying mechanochemical activation (MCA) to treat iron ore mine tailings from Kiruna, Sweden, transforming them into supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The MCA process resulted in extensive amorphization of the main crystalline mineral phases such as phlogopite, feldspars, apatite, and hematite. The enhanced pozzolanic activity after MCA treatment was confirmed through the strength activity index (SAI), Frattini test and R3 method. This case study highlights the significant potential of mechanochemical treatment in revalorizing iron ore mine tailings, contributing to their sustainable utilization and mitigating the negative environmental impact associated with these waste materials.

Source: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering

DOI: 10.1061/jmcee7.mteng-19878

Authors: Ilda Tole, Francesco Delogu, Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen, Andrzej Cwirzen

Institutions: Luleå University of Technology, University of Cagliari

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funders: Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas, Vetenskapsrådet