Case study for the use of mining tailings from the Campanillas Concession, Zamora Chinchipe - Ecuador, as an aggregate for the production of Cobblestones

Abstract

Currently the tailings by their characteristics and large volumes that is generated, require either a final arrangement and in some cases according to their characteristics can be reused. Inadequate management can be a potential source of drainage, creating a series of synergistic processes, which mainly affect the soil and water, altering their physical-chemical properties, increasing the concentrations of metals and metaloids in these media, and related to bioaccumulation processes, among other impacts.

The purpose of this research is to identify whether tailings can be used as substitutes for a percentage of sand, as part of the manufacture of cobblestones.

For the development of the research, in the first place, the physical characterization - chemical and mineralogical of the tailings was carried out, the process for the manufacture of pavers was lifted. Subsequently, the percentage of replacement of sand by relay was defined, in addition to the cobblestones manufactured, they were subjected to tests of understanding, traction, absorption and leaching.

The results show that the tailings from the Nory Gold mine of the Campanillas plant, can be used in the manufacture of cobblestones, as a substitute for a fraction in percentage of the sand, because the physical and mechanical parameters and laboratory analyses reflect that they meet the criteria described in ASTM Standard C936, NTE INEN 3040, BSI. BS 6717-1 and BS EN 1338: 2003, concerning the quality of cobblestones as building elements. According to the Chilean Cement and Concrete Institute, the cobblestones can be used until the transit of heavy vehicles at a speed not greater than 60 km/h.