Influence of atmospheric conditions on the structural evolution and mechanical behaviour of mine tailings
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The global increase in mineral and metal consumption, driven by the energy transition and the demand for green
technologies, has led to intensified mining activity and a corresponding rise in the generation of tailings. These materials must be managed safely to mitigate social and environmental risks, while simultaneously pursuing sustainable reuse strategies aligned with circular economy principles. When tailings are exposed to atmospheric conditions, physicochemical transformations progressively alter their properties. This time-dependent process, known as ageing, can significantly influence the mechanical behaviour of tailings, with direct implications for the long-term stability of storage facilities and for the feasibility of alternative applications. This study examines the effects of ageing on the structure and mechanical behaviour of tailings from a Portuguese tungsten mine. Samples representing different ageing stages were tested, including freshly reconstituted material, recently collected undisturbed samples, and intermediate-aged specimens that had been exposed to atmospheric conditions for several months. Triaxial and oedometer tests were performed to assess stress-strain-strength response and structural evolution. In addition, electron microscope images were taken to observe changes in microstructure resulting from prolonged exposure. The results show that ageing promotes microstructural rearrangement and
increased interparticle bonding, leading to measurable changes in compressibility and stiffness. The photomicrographic evidence supports these findings, revealing signs of cementation and particle aggregation in older samples. These results underline the importance of accounting for the effects of ageing when assessing the mechanical performance of tailings, whether for storage stability or for reuse in geotechnical applications.
technologies, has led to intensified mining activity and a corresponding rise in the generation of tailings. These materials must be managed safely to mitigate social and environmental risks, while simultaneously pursuing sustainable reuse strategies aligned with circular economy principles. When tailings are exposed to atmospheric conditions, physicochemical transformations progressively alter their properties. This time-dependent process, known as ageing, can significantly influence the mechanical behaviour of tailings, with direct implications for the long-term stability of storage facilities and for the feasibility of alternative applications. This study examines the effects of ageing on the structure and mechanical behaviour of tailings from a Portuguese tungsten mine. Samples representing different ageing stages were tested, including freshly reconstituted material, recently collected undisturbed samples, and intermediate-aged specimens that had been exposed to atmospheric conditions for several months. Triaxial and oedometer tests were performed to assess stress-strain-strength response and structural evolution. In addition, electron microscope images were taken to observe changes in microstructure resulting from prolonged exposure. The results show that ageing promotes microstructural rearrangement and
increased interparticle bonding, leading to measurable changes in compressibility and stiffness. The photomicrographic evidence supports these findings, revealing signs of cementation and particle aggregation in older samples. These results underline the importance of accounting for the effects of ageing when assessing the mechanical performance of tailings, whether for storage stability or for reuse in geotechnical applications.
Date Issued
2026-06-14
Date Acceptance
2026-06-14
Citation
Proceedings of the 21st ICSMGE, 2026, pp.5783-5786
ISBN
978-3-9503898-4-5
Publisher
ÖGG, Austrian Society for Geomechanics
Start Page
5783
End Page
5786
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the 21st ICSMGE
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Author(s).
Source
ICSMGE 2026
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2026-06-14
Finish Date
2026-06-19
Coverage Spatial
Vienna, Austria