Alkali-activation of tungsten mining waste mud blended with waste glass: reactivity, performance and innovative applications

Abstract

Mines and quarries waste accounts for about 29% of the total generated waste from industrial processes and households in Europe. The reuse of mud tailings as precursor materials for alkali-activated binders and applications are very promising from a technical and environmental point of view. The aim of the present study was to develop added-value solutions to reutilize tungsten mine mud tailings in alkali activated materials. Some potential uses of these new materials obtained from alkali-activation of tungsten mud waste and other precursor materials, as well incorporating expanded granulated cork, such us a high energy efficient panel for a vegetated surface and a foamed lightweight brick wall, are presented.