Determination of critical state line(CSL)for silty-sandy iron ore tailings subjected to low-high confining pressures

The disposal of filtered tailings in high dry stacks can induce particle breakage,changing the material's behaviour during the structure's lifetime.The grading changes influence material properties at the critical state,and this is not mature for intermediate artificial soils(tailings)in a broad range of confining pressures.In this paper,it aims to describe the behaviour of iron ore tailings in a spectrum of confining pressures broader than the reported in previous studies.A series of consolidated drained(CD)triaxial tests was carried out with confining pressures ranging from 0.075 MPa to 120 MPa.These results show that the amount of breakage plays an essential role in the response of iron ore tailings.The existence of curved critical state line(CSL)in both specific volume(ν)-logarithm of mean effective stress(p′)and deviatoric stress(q)-mean effective stress(p′)planes,and different responses in the deviatoric stress-axial strain-volumetric strain curves were verified.An inverse S-shaped equation was proposed to represent the silty-sandy tailings'behaviour up to high pressures onν-lnp′plane.The proposed equation provides a basis for enhancing constitutive models and considers the evolution of the grading up to severe loading conditions.The adjustment considered three regions with different responses associated with particle breakage at different pressure levels.

Mechanical behavior of iron ore tailings under standard compression and extension triaxial stress paths

The disposal of mining tailings has increasingly focused on the use of dry stacks.These structures offer more security since they use filtered and compacted material.Because of the construction method and the heights achieved,the material that compounds the structure can be subjected to different stress paths along the failure plane.The theoretical framework considered in the design of these structures generally is the critical state soil mechanics(CSSM).However,the data in the literature concerning the uniqueness of critical state line(CSL)is still controversial as the soil is subjected to different stress paths.With respect to tailings,this question is even more restricted.This paper studies two tailings with different gradings due to the beneficial processes over extension and compression paths.A series of drained and undrained triaxial tests was conducted over a range of initial densities and stress levels.In the q-p'plane,different critical stress ratio(M)values were obtained for compression and extension stress paths.However,the critical state friction angle is very similar with a slightly higher critical state friction angle for extension tests.Curved stress path dependent CSLs were obtained in the n-lnp0 plane with the extension tests below the CSL defined in compression.Regarding the fines content,the studied tailings presented very similar M and critical state friction angle values.However,the fines content af-fects the volumetric behavior of the studied tailings and the CSLs on the n-lnp0 plane shift downwards with the increasing fines content for compression and extension tests.In relation to dilatancy analysis,the fines content did not present an evident influence on the dilatancy of the materials.However,different values of mean stress ratio N were obtained between compression and extension tests and can corroborate the existence of non-unique CSLs for these materials.

Preparation and Microwave Absorbing Properties of Double-layer Fine Iron Tailings Cementitious Materials

To develop the microwave absorbing(MA)properties of cementitious material mixed with mine solid waste,the iron tailings cementitious microwave absorbing materials were prepared.The iron tailings was treated into different particle sizes by planetary ball mill,and the physicochemical properties of iron tailings were tested by laser particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The electromagnetic parameters of iron tailings cementitious materials were characterized by a vector network analyzer and simulated MA properties,and the MA properties of iron tailings-cement composite system with steel fiber as absorber was studied.Based on the design of the single-layer structure,optimum mix ratio and thickness configuration method of double-layer structure were further studied,meanwhile,the mechanical properties and engineering application were analyzed and discussed.The results show that the particle size of iron tailings can afiect its electromagnetic behavior in cementitious materials,and the smaller particles lead the increase of demagnetisation efiect induced by domain wall motion and achieve better microwave absorbing properties in cementitious materials.When the thickness of matching layer and absorbing layer is 5 mm,the optimized microwave absorbing properties of C1/C3 double-layer cementitious material can obtain optimal RL value of-27.61 dB and efiective absorbing bandwidth of 0.97 GHz,which attributes to the synergistic efiect of impedance matching and attenuation characteristics.The double-layer microwave absorbing materials obtain excellent absorbing properties and show great design flexibility and diversity,which can be used as a suitable candidate for the preparation of favorable microwave absorbing cementitious materials.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Actinomycete Isolates from Iron Mine Tailings

[Objective]The aim was to discuss the actinomycete biodiversity of iron-mine tailings by phylogenetic analysis of 12 typical isolates. [Method]The genomic DNAs were extracted by phenol-chloroform method; phylogeny analysis was carried out based on 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing. [Result]The results showed that all the 12 strains belong to the genus Streptomyces sharing 98.7%-99.9% similarities with their nearest known neighbors. [Conclusion]Streptomyces is the dominant culturable actinomycete group of iron mine tailings,in which there are many potential novel species.

Iron ore tailings used for the preparation of cementitious material by compound thermal activation

In the background of little reuse and large stockpile for iron ore tailings, iron ore tailing from Chinese Tonghua were used as raw material to prepare cementitious materials. Cementitious properties of the iron ore tailings activated by compound thermal activation were studied. Testing methods, such as XRD, TG-DTA, and IR were used for researching the phase and structure variety of the iron ore railings in the process of compound thermal activation. The results reveal that a new cementitious material that contains 30wt% of the iron ore tailings can be obtained by compounded thermal activation, whose mortar strength can come up to the standard of 42.5 cement of China.

Reconstruction of broken Si–O–Si bonds in iron ore tailings (IOTs) in concrete

This paper reports a study on the reconstruction of broken Si O Si bonds in iron ore tailings (IOTs) in concrete. Limestone and IOTs were used to investigate the influence of different types of coarse aggregates on the compressive strengths of concrete samples. The dif- ferences in interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between aggregate and paste were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ener- gy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) were used to study microscopic changes in limestone and IOTs powders in a simple alkaline environment that simulated cement. The results show that the compressive strengths of IOTs concrete or paste are higher than those of limestone concrete or paste under identical conditions. The Ca/Si atom ratios in the ITZs of IOTs con- crete samples are lower than those of limestone concrete;the diffraction peak of the calcium silicate phase at 2θ = 29.5°, as well as the bands of Si O bonds shifting to lower wavenumbers, indicates reconstruction of the broken Si-O-Si bonds on the surfaces of IOTs with Ca(OH)2.

Phase, magnetism and thermal conductivity of glass ceramics from iron ore tailings

In order to develop the applications of ore tailings, the glass ceramics were prepared by using a conventional melting-quenching-sintering process. The phase component, microstructures, magnetic properties and thermal conductivities of the prepared glass ceramics were investigated by using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermophysical properties tester, respectively. The results show that orthorhombic olivine-type phase and triclinic sunstone-type phase formed when the glass was annealed at 700 oC, the concentration of olivine-type and sunstone-type phases decreased, the spinel-type cubic phase occurred and the amount increased when the annealing temperatures increased. The magnetic properties from the cubic spinel ferrites were detected in the glass ceramics, and the related saturation magnetization increased with the annealing temperature increasing. The porous glass ceramics with magnetic property showed much lower thermal conductivity, compared with the non-magnetic porous glass-ceramic and the dense glass-ceramics.

Recovery of iron from copper tailings via low-temperature direct reduction and magnetic separation: process optimization and mineralogical study

Currently, the majority of copper tailings are not effectively developed. Worldwide, large amounts of copper tailings generated from copper production are continuously dumped, posing a potential environmental threat. Herein, the recovery of iron from copper tailings via low-temperature direct reduction and magnetic separation was conducted; process optimization was carried out, and the corresponding mineralogy was investigated. The reduction time, reduction temperature, reducing agent (coal), calcium chloride additive, grinding time, and magnetic field intensity were examined for process optimization. Mineralogical analyses of the sample, reduced pellets, and magnetic concentrate under various conditions were performed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to elucidate the iron reduction and growth mechanisms. The results indicated that the optimum parameters of iron recovery include a reduction temperature of 1150A degrees C, a reduction time of 120 min, a coal dosage of 25%, a calcium chloride dosage of 2.5%, a magnetic field intensity of 100 mT, and a grinding time of 1 min. Under these conditions, the iron grade in the magnetic concentrate was greater than 90%, with an iron recovery ratio greater than 95%.

Relationship between polymerization degree and cementitious activity of iron ore tailings

The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the polymerization degree and cememitious activity of iron ore tailings. In light of the poor usage of iron ore tailings, stockpile samples from Tangshan were studied in terms of their ability to become cementitious materials. Compound thermal activation was used to improve the cementitious properties of the tailings, while analyzing methods, such as X-ray diffraction （XRD）, infrared spectroscopy （IR）, nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR）, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer （XPS）, were employed to study the changes in phase and structure under different activation conditions. The results reveal clear relationships between the binding energies of Si2p and O 1 s, polymerization degree, and cementitious activity of iron ore tailings.

Different Effects of Wet and Dry Grinding on the Activation of Iron Ore Tailings

Improving the activity of Iron Ore Tailings(IOTs)to utilize them as a mineral admixture in cement-based minerals is still challenging.In this paper,the wet grinding technology was employed to stimulate the activity of IOTs,and the traditional dry grinding method was used as a reference.The effect of wet grinding on the activation of IOTs was evaluated through ion leaching from an alkaline solution and the reactivity index.Additionally,a detailed comparison between Dry-grinding Iron Ore Tailings(DIOTs)and Wet-grinding Iron Ore Tailings(WIOTs)was made.This comparison was based on particle characteristics,crystal structures,chemical structure,and surface properties.The results showed that the particle size of IOTs reduced rapidly during wet grinding.In addition,WIOTs had a higher activity index compared to DIOTs.The storage of lattice distortions in the quartz crystal structure was also more significant during the wet grinding process than during the dry grinding process.Moreover,both prolonged dry and wet grinding could destabilize the Si-O bond and decrease the surface binding energy.

Magnetizing roast and magnetic separation of iron in rare-earth tailings

Magnetic separation of iron in rare-earth tailings was achieved by magnetizing roast process with coal as reductant. Effects of the temperature, carbon to oxygen ratio, and cooling type on magnetic susceptibility and composition of rare-earth tailings were investigated. The results show that roast conditions with the temperature of 650℃, carbon to oxygen ratio of 3.85, and holding time of 2.5 h are in favor of reduction of Fe_2O_3 to Fe_3O_4 when the roasted rare-earth tailings is cooled along with furnace. Under these roast conditions, magnetic susceptibility of rare-earth tailings is 2.36 that is very close to theoretical value（2.33）. However, magnetic separation results of iron in rare-earth tailings cooled along with furnace are not satisfactory. Through comparing magnetic separation results of iron in rare-earth tailings cooled by different ways, it is found that water cooling is more favored of magnetic separation of iron in the roasted rare-earth tailings than furnace cooling and air cooling. Grade and recovery of iron in concentrate from rare-earth tailings cooled by water are 45.00%-49.00% and 65.00%-77.50%, respectively.

Influence of vegetation restoration on matrix structure and erosion resistance of iron tailings sites in eastern Hebei, China

The effects of vegetation restoration on matrix structure and erosion resistance of iron tailings were studied at dump sites in Malanzhuang, Qian'an, Hebei province, China. The restoration process involved soil spray sowing restoration model with Rhus typhina, soil and iron tailings admixture spray sowing restoration model with Amorpha fruticosa Linn. and six-hole brick restoration model with Pinus tabulaeformis Carriere.–Amorpha fruticosa Linn. mixed-forest, and direct restoration model with Hippophae rhamnoides and Sabina vulgaris. Results show that the composition and distribution of particles and aggregates were closely related to erosion resistance(P < 0.05), indicating that matrix structure of iron tailings play an important role in erosion resistance. The improvement in matrix structure of iron tailings by the different restoration models was in the order of R. typhina soil spray sowing > A. fruticosa soil and iron tailings admixture spray sowing > mixed-forest six-hole brick >H. rhamnoides direct restoration > S. vulgaris direct restoration. The R. typhina soil spray sowing restorationmodel resulted in the greatest improvement in matrix structure of iron tailings, increasing the clay(10.6%) and large particle aggregates(18.7%) contents significantly(P < 0.01). Simultaneously, particle population, grading conditions(Cu= 28.86, Cs= 1.65), and aggregate stability(6.02) were significantly improved. The A. fruticosa soil and iron tailings admixture spray sowing restoration model,which effectively improved particle distribution(Cu-= 8.51, Cs= 1.07), increased the number of large aggregates considerably(9.6%), thereby increasing aggregate stability(6.2). The six-hole brick model significantly increased the number of large aggregates(4.0%) and improved the stability of aggregates(6.2). H. rhamnoides direct restoration improved the stability of aggregates(5.1)but showed no other significant improvements. The effect of S. vulgaris direct restoration on matrix structure of iron tailings was not significant. Due to its dependence on matrix structure of iron tailings, the erosion resistance of R.typhina soil spray sowing restoration model was the greatest, while that of S. vulgaris direct restoration was the weakest. There was no significant difference in the erosion resistance of the other models. Overall, vegetation restoration supplemented by soil spray sowing restoration and engineering measures is superior to in situ direct vegetation restoration in the short-term. In-situ direct restoration has long-term ecological significance because of its advanced concept of near-natural restoration and the advantages of low cost, easy operation, and low secondary damage.

Load-settlement behaviour of a strip footing resting on iron ore tailings as a structural fill

This study presents a laboratory investigation of load-settlement behaviour of a strip footing resting on iron ore tailings used as a structural fill.The footing was placed at various depths in the tailings bed.The relative density of the tailings was varied as D_r = 50%,70%and 90%.An incremental load was applied on the footing while observing the settlement until the failure took place.The results obtained for tailings were compared with those for the sandy soil.It is observed that the load-bearing capacity and stiffness increase with an increase in footing embedment depth and relative density.Compared to load-settlement behaviour of Perth sandy soil,the tailings fill could have as high as 22 times and 13.5 times the load-bearing capacity and stiffness,respectively.Therefore,the replacement of sandy soil with iron ore tailings for structural fills is cost-effective,and moreover,this application contributes to environmental sustainability in construction.

Mechanical Properties of Iron Ore Tailings Filled-Polypropylene Composites

Iron ore tailings filled polypropylene (PP) composites were produced using the compo-indirect squeeze casting (C-ISC) process. Particle sizes 150, 212 and 300 μm where considered for different volume fractions of 5% to 30% at intervals of 5%. The tensile and impact behavior of the produced composites were investigated, experimentally, by carrying out uniaxial tensile and izod impact tests to obtain tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and impact strength. Empirical data were compared with results obtained from models proposed by Nielsen, Bigg and Einstein. The experimental results show that elongation at break for iron ore tailings filled PP reduces with increasing 150 μm particle size. Tensile strength reduces with increasing filler. The Bigg equation exhibited improved predictability with decreasing particle size of filler in PP;while the Einstein equation which assumes poor adhesion gives the best prediction of modulus of elasticity with increasing particle size in PP. Izod impact strength decreases with particle size but increases with increasing volume content of iron ore tailings from 5% to 25% for each particle size considered.

Separation of Kaolinite from Ion-Adsorption Rare Earth Tailings in Southern China and Iron Removal Treatment

Several hundred million tons of ion-adsorption rare earth tailings exist in Ganzhou, Southern China, which is a severe environmental hazard. To reduce and reutilize the tailing, kaolinite has been separated from the tailings by mechanical separation in laboratory scale and pilot scale. The results show that the tailing is mainly composed of fine kaolinite and coarse quart. Quartz and kaolinite can be separated by sieves, shaker, spiral chute or hydrocyclone, which has the similar results in laboratory scale and pilot scale. 30.2% of the tailings can be re-sourced and applied in ceramic industries. 41.7% of kaolinite can be obtained after sorting and iron removal by magnetic separator in pilot scale, which can be applied in ceramic industries according to the Chinese national standard (TC-3). The results give a progressive solution to re-source the tailings economically.

SINTERABILITY EXPERIMENTS OF PORTAND CEMENT WITH IRON-TAILINGS AS RAW MATERIALS

The sinterability of Portland Cement with iron tailings as raw materials are studied. Experimental results showed that iron tailings, owing to the existences of the trace elements, play an important role in improving the sinterability of the raw meals and decreasing the calcination temperature.

AEROCRETE MADE WITH LOW SILICON TAILINGS OF CHENGCHAO IRON ORE MINE

The experimental study on the tailings from Chengchao Iron Ore Mine has been introduced briefly. By analyzing the chemical and mineral compositions of Chenchao Iron Ore, the technological process has been constituted. According to the comparison experiments, the optimal proportion of cement and lime, dosage of the additional silicon - materials, calcium-silicon proportion, dosage of aluminum powder and other parameters have been decided. Aerocrete has been trial-produced successfully with the low-silicon iron ore tailings. It has opened up a new way for the exploitation of the low-silicon iron ore tailings.

Preparation of Micro-Iron Ore Tailings by Wet-Grinding and Its Application in Sulphoaluminate Cement

Herein,micro iron ore tailings(micro-IOTs)were prepared by wet-grinding and applied to improve sulphoaluminate cement(SAC)performance.The physicochemical properties of micro-IOTs were investigated by particle size analysis,XRD,and XPS.The hydrates trait and the hydration mechanism of micro-IOTs-SAC composite were studied by XRD,TGA,MIP,and SEM.The results demonstrated that micro-IOTs with an average grain diameter of 517 nm could be obtained by wet-grinding.The setting time of SAC gradually decreased with increasing micro-IOTs content.By adding 2%micro-IOTs,the compressive strengths of SAC pastes were enhanced about 22%and 10%at 4 h and 28 d,respectively.Moreover,the addition of micro-IOTs accelerated ettringite precipitation and changed its morphology,resulting in early strength improvement of the binary system.And increased later strength by micro-IOTs was closely related to the high content of AH_(3),fine pore structure,and high hydration degree of SAC.The findings suggested one new approach to utilize iron ore tailings in cementbased materials.

Characterization and Iron Removal Treatment of Ion-Adsorption Rare Earth Tailings in Southern China

The ion-adsorption rare earth tailings have become a serious environmental pollution in Southern China, yet the potential of their economical value has not been fully exploited. In this work, the chemical and mineral compositions of the ion-adsorption rare earth tailings were characterized by Mineral Liberation Analyze (MLA) and XRF. The results show that 91.98 wt% of the tailings are composed of kaolinite and quartz, latter of which was removed by the sieving method. The other minor minerals contain feldspar, biotite, muscovite, titanomagnetite and limonite. Amongst these, the iron-bearing minerals are mostly found in the titanomagnetite and limonite which can be mostly removed by using a periodic high-gradient magnetic separator with a magnetic induction of 0.6 Tesla. The Fe2O3 content of the tailings changed from 2.11 wt% to 1.06 wt% after the sorting process, which met the Chinese national standard of TC-3 grade raw materials for ceramic industry applications. The Fe2O3 content in kaolinite was further decreased after Na2S2O4 treatment.

Pavement Performance Research Progress and Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Incorporating Iron Ore Tailings

In order to solve the problems caused by the storage of iron ore tailings (IOTs), many researchers conducted a series of experimental studies on the reuse of IOTs. The results of many studies showed that it was feasible to use IOTs for road engineering. This paper summarized the composition, gradation and particle characteristics of IOTs from chemical and physical aspects, and proved the feasibility of IOTs replacing traditional aggregate for asphalt concrete. Then, the research on the road performance of asphalt concrete incorporating IOTs were summarized and reviewed, including the evaluation of high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, fatigue resistance and water stability. The water stability and the improvement of adhesion between asphalt and IOTs aggregate were discussed in detail. Finally, the performance of IOTs as asphalt concrete aggregate and the existing defects were evaluated, and future research directions were proposed.