Influence of Calcined Mine Tailings on the Properties of Alkali Activated Slag Mortars

Influence of copper mine tailings on properties of soda activated ground granulated blast furnace slag mortars and pastes was investigated. Calcination of copper mine tailings was found to be a method of increasing their pozzolanic activity. Material calcined at 750°C possessed highest pozzolanic activity. So obtained material can be used as a partial substitution of ground granulated slag in soda activated blends. Introduction of calcined copper mine tailings decrease strength up to 28 days, but after 56 days strength results are similar or even higher comparing to control samples. Phase composition of hydrated material is not affected significantly by the presence of calcined copper mine tailings.