Physico-chemical and micro-structural behavior of cemented mine backfill: Effect of pH in dam tailings.

The tailings created during ore processing have been a serious problem for mining companies and environment since it is a challenging task to effectively manage these highly voluminous/dangerous tailings. Therefore, several tailings disposal methods like tailings dams are needed for sustainable mining operations. The tailings accumulated in the dams reflect a critical raw material source since they might contain key base/precious metals, such as Au, Ag, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn.