In a groundbreaking study published in ‘工程科学学报’ (Journal of Engineering Science), researchers have unveiled a new approach to managing industrial solid waste in metal mining through the innovative use of cemented paste backfill (CPB). This research, led by Zhu-en Ruan from the School of Civil and Resources Engineering at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, addresses the pressing environmental and safety challenges posed by tailings and waste rock, which are among the most significant byproducts of mining operations worldwide.
The study introduces a novel formulation known as total solid waste cemented paste backfill (TSW-CPB), which combines thickened full-tailings, waste rock, and slag. This mixture is designed to be filled into mine stopes, effectively stabilizing the structure and mitigating risks such as stope collapse, tailings storage facility failures, and landslides in waste-rock yards. Ruan emphasizes the importance of this development, stating, “TSW-CPB not only enhances safety in mining operations but also aligns with sustainable practices by repurposing waste materials.”
The research team conducted extensive orthogonal experiments to analyze the effects of various parameters—solid fraction (SF), waste rock dosage (WRD), and glue powder dosage (GPD)—on key performance indicators such as slump, yield stress, uniaxial compressive strength, and bleeding rate. The results revealed that SF significantly influences both slump and yield stress, while GPD plays a crucial role in determining uniaxial compressive strength and bleeding rate.
The optimization process yielded ideal proportions of SF at 79.31%, WRD at 18.86%, and GPD at 3:20, resulting in a slump of 25.45 cm, yield stress of 100.49 Pa, uniaxial compressive strength of 3.55 MPa, and a bleeding rate of 1.50%. These findings not only demonstrate the effectiveness of TSW-CPB but also provide a framework that can be applied in various mining contexts to enhance the performance of CPB systems.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. By improving the management of mining waste, companies can reduce environmental liabilities and enhance operational efficiency. The ability to utilize waste materials effectively can lead to cost savings and contribute to a more sustainable mining industry. Ruan notes, “Our findings can serve as a reference for practical applications, helping mines optimize their paste backfill processes and reduce their environmental footprint.”
As the construction sector increasingly emphasizes sustainability, the insights from this study could shape future developments in waste management and material usage in mining and construction. The overall desirability function approach employed in this research offers a robust methodology that could be adapted to other industries seeking to optimize performance while minimizing waste.
For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit the [School of Civil and Resources Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing](http://www.ustb.edu.cn).
