Chemical and Physical Characterization of Mine Tailings for Application as Fillers in Modified Asphalts

Abstract:

Mine tailings are solid residues from mineral processing that exhibit physical characteristics comparable to conventional mineral fillers used in asphalt mastics. However, mine tailings contain toxic elements that raise concerns about their environmental safety. This study evaluates the chemical and physical characterization of mine tailings to assess their feasibility as fillers in modified asphalts. Chemical digestion using HNO₃, HCl, and HF was performed to quantify toxic elements, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine their interaction with asphalt. Results indicate that the concentrations of toxic elements are below the permissible limits established by Mexican soil standards. The tailings present particle sizes under 75 µm, meeting the requirements for filler applications. SEM analysis revealed effective physical interaction between the asphalt matrix and tailings particles rich in Ca, Si, and Fe, confirming their potential to form a stable modified asphalt. Finally, leaching tests corroborated the immobilization of toxic elements in mastic samples showing that concentration of toxic elements dropping significatively and down to zero for Cd and As.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1060)
• Pages: 127-136
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-PGMs2z
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: J. Wilbert Viveros Ramos, Ricardo Morales Estrella, Noemí Ortiz Lara*, Roberto I. Hernández Domínguez
• Keywords: Asphalt, Chemical Digestion, Filler, Soils, Toxic Elements

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