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Technical case record · Construction

Nador iron tailings in fired clay bricks

Iron-mine tailings from an inactive operation were evaluated as an additive in red-clay fired bricks.

Nador, MoroccoLaboratoryLaboratory evidence

What was developed or tested

The work examined raw-material composition, firing behaviour and physical-mechanical properties across tailings additions.

What the evidence supports

The study supports a technically plausible ceramic route for the tested Nador material. Transfer depends on clay mineralogy, fluxing phases, firing temperature and regulated constituents.

Environmental and technical uncertainty

Firing can immobilise some constituents but introduces thermal energy and emissions; leaching and kiln-specific performance require verification.

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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