Geotechnical research regarding the use of solid mineral tailings from the mining industry in construction, in the context of circular economy

The extractive activity and processing of useful mineral substances results in a significant amount of mining waste, in the form of mineral waste. According to European statistical institutions, mining and quarrying in Europe generates over 50% of total industrial waste. Most of this waste is stored in dumps and ponds. The processing of solid mineral tailings and the production of economically usable by-products is of major importance, both from an economic point of view and from the point of view of environmental management, having a major impact on the protection of the environment. The paper presents the results of research conducted for two areas, namely Deva and Abrud. The geotechnical conditions and the geomechanical characteristics of the tailings as well as of the concretes made from the sterile rocks from the two mining companies were detailed. Based on research, it was found that the mechanical strength of concrete cubes made of sterile material are superior to those made of quarry aggregates.