Effects of treatment of zinc industrial waste with chemical binders

Abstract

The generation of industrial mining waste is an inherent outcome of the beneficiation process, requiring sustainable and cost-effective management practices in compliance with current regulations. At present, such waste may be disposed of via dams, pits, geobags, or dry stacking, depending on the specific needs and operational strategies of mining enterprises. In the case of dry stacking, a primary challenge for mining companies is securing adequate areas for drying and disposal, underscoring the potential benefits of employing chemical binders to accelerate drying and reduce contaminant levels in the waste. This study investigates the use of chemical binders to decrease drying time and examines the chemical and geomechanical behavior of compacted filtered zinc industrial waste (CFZIW) and compacted improved zinc industrial waste (CIZIW) at different curing periods (7, 28, and 120 days) through laboratory testing. The results indicate that the application of chemical binders significantly reduced both the drying time and concentrations of hazardous contaminants in zinc mining waste. However, the incorporation of binders also led to notable alterations in the shear strength parameters, influenced by binder content, curing duration and pH levels.

Keywords: Industrial Mining Waste, Geomechanical Behavior, Chemical Brinders.