Laser-Induced Surface Vitrification for the Sustainable Stabilization of Copper Tailings
This study introduces CO2 laser surface vitrification as an innovative method for managing copper mining tailings, offering a sustainable solution to critical challenges in mineral processing. This technique transforms tailings into a stable and impermeable layer, immobilizing hazardous metals conta...
| Autores: | , , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya) |
| Repositorio: | Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:recercat.cat:2445/221992 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221992 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Protecció ambiental Vitrificació Residus perillosos Environmental protection Vitrification Hazardous wastes |
| Sumario: | This study introduces CO2 laser surface vitrification as an innovative method for managing copper mining tailings, offering a sustainable solution to critical challenges in mineral processing. This technique transforms tailings into a stable and impermeable layer, immobilizing hazardous metals contained within them. By achieving vitrification at the surface level and operating at temperatures around 1200 °C, the process significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional vitrification methods, making it suitable for large-scale applications in remote mining sites. Detailed geochemical and mechanical analyses confirmed the formation of a dense vitreous matrix with high hardness (7.19–7.48 GPa) and reduced permeability, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations. However, the brittle nature of the vitrified layer underscores the need for further research to enhance mechanical resilience. This work positions CO2 laser vitrification as a transformative approach for integrating energy-efficient technologies into mineral processing, addressing key environmental concerns while advancing the sustainable management of mining waste. |
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