Sinterability and Expansion Property of Ceramsite Made with Lead-Zinc Mine Tailings

Lead-zinc mine tailings were used to produce ceramsite by sintering method to reduce their environmental impact. The properties of tailings from Beishan Lead-zinc mine located at the north-west of Guangxi Province in southern China have been studied. The sinterability and expansion property of the main raw materials was studied during the controlled trial burn tests. The results show that lead-zinc mine tailings are not suitable for making ceramsite alone, and should be added with the clay material. The sintering temperature has a significant influence on expansion property. The optimum firing temperature to make ceramsite is from 1140 °C to 1150 °C according to the apparent density index, and the heavy metals are properly stabilized in ceramsite. It is a viable approach for making ceramsite with lead-zinc mine tailings and clay.