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Technical case record · Construction

Southern Ecuador gold tailings in concrete blocks

Gold tailings were assessed as a partial sand substitute in concrete-block manufacture.

Portovelo–Zaruma, EcuadorLaboratoryLaboratory evidence

What was developed or tested

Physical, chemical and mineralogical characterisation was combined with EN 12457-2 leaching, compressive-strength and water-absorption testing.

What the evidence supports

A useful example of linking product performance with environmental characterisation. The paper supports feasibility for the tested mixture, subject to local standards and pilot manufacture.

Environmental and technical uncertainty

The study reported leach-test results within its stated criteria under the tested conditions; exposure-specific and long-term release testing would still be required.

Benefit-case screening lens

Potential value: Potential co-product revenue, reduced demand for virgin aggregate or binder inputs, local supply and avoided tailings storage.

Deployment constraints: Product specification, consistency, processing and binder demand, customer qualification, market volume, haulage distance and residual liability.

Question before applying elsewhere

Does the site-specific residue meet durability, leaching, production-control and applicable material-specification requirements at the proposed scale?

Sources

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