Iron ore tailings IOTs
|
A loader works with the iron ore tailings from the Sishen mine expansion project. (Photo attribution: Graeme Williams, Media Club South Africa.) |
Iron ore tailings (IOTs) are a form of solid waste produced during the mining process. IOTs are created through the extraction of the valuable portion of the iron ore from the waste portion. This waste material is sometimes produced in the form of a type of slurry.
IOTs have no commercial value and are typically stored in tailings dams that also contain water and other waste that is produced as a result of the mining process.
IOTs stored in tailing dams may be dangerous due to high levels of chemicals (such as iron oxide) that are thought to be harmful to the environment. IOTs that are not controlled or contained are sometimes carried by wind and water to contaminate other areas.
High volumes of IOTs may create environmental, economic and ecological concerns due to the amount of land occupied and the safety hazards they can produce.
Researchers have been exploring different recycling methods to convert IOTs into useful products that are not environmentally harmful. Some of these products include:
- Bricks.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Concrete aggregates.
- Epoxy and engineered cementitious composites.
- Polypropylene cement.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.