Quartz Mining Waste for Concrete Production: Environment and Public Health

Abstract

Brazil, one of the largest ore producers in the world, holds 95% of the world’s quartz reserves. The aim of this research is to enhance mitigation measures in quartz ore exploration common in the Serra do Espinhaço Meridional region through the specific study of a mining venture. The three (3) phases of the study were: (1) characterization of the project under study and evaluation of the impacts generated; (2) evaluation of the economic feasibility of using the waste as a coarse aggregate for concrete production; (3) evaluation of the technical feasibility of reusing this waste through analysis of compressive strength. The results of the study show potential negative impacts on occupational health from the piles of disposed waste, specifically silicosis, caused by silica dust dispersed in the air. In the economic analysis, a decrease of 49.05% was verified in coarse aggregate cost through the use of the residue. The compressive strength of the concrete was 26.80 MPa when quartz residue was used and 29.2 MPa when limestone was used. The quartz residue generated by the venture can be reused as aggregate for the production of concrete, generating improvements in environmental and health aspects.

Amethyst quartz tailings in cement mortars production

“…Brazil is a country with immense potential in the production of quartz and its gem varieties, with around 95% of world reserves, equivalent to 78 million tons. The state of Pará holds the largest reserves in the country (64%), followed by Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, Bahia and Goiás [28][29][30]. The deposits of Marabá (Alto Bonito) and Pau D'Arco both in Pará, Jacobina, in Bahia and those in Rio Grande do Sul stand out for their production volume and crystal quality [31].…”