Mine tailings-based geopolymers: Durability, microstructure, thermal and leaching properties

Abstract The mining industry produces a considerable amount of stone waste and tailings, posing an ecological danger. This industrial waste is often disposed of via landfill, which leads to soil degradation and water and air pollution while obtaining valuable land. It can be recycled via a variety of methods, including the promising geopolymerization approach, which converts waste into value. This research investigates recent advancements in the production of geopolymer composites derived from industrial waste and mine tailings as a potential sustainable construction material. This research also provides in-depth analyses of the features and behaviours of mine tailings mixtures utilized in geopolymer production, such as their durability, microstructure, thermal and leaching capabilities. This study also reveals an information gap that must be addressed to progress mine tailings composites for cementitious materials.