Towards eco-friendly mining: Alkali-activated materials from mine waste for pollution mitigation

Abstract

The mining industry generates vast quantities of mining solid wastes (MSWs), posing significant environmental and ecological challenges. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) offer a sustainable solution by converting MSWs into value-added cementitious products, providing an alternative to ordinary Portland cement while reducing carbon emissions. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in utilizing MSWs as precursors for AAMs. Key topics include fundamental reaction mechanisms, the role of precursor composition in gel formation, and the effects of activator selection on mechanical properties and durability. The effectiveness of various pretreatment strategies, such as mechanical activation, thermal processing, and alkali fusion, in enhancing MSWs reactivity is critically assessed. Additionally, challenges related to precursor variability, energy consumption, and long-term performance are identified. This review provides valuable insights into the sustainable valorization of MSWs in AAMs, contributing to circular economy initiatives and the development of low-carbon construction materials.

Keywords

Alkali-activated materials / Mining solid wastes / Waste valorization / Pretreatment methods / Sustainable mining / Artificial intelligence / Life cycle assessment / Mine backfilling

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