Feasibility study on utilization of copper tailings as raw meal and addition for low carbon Portland cement production

Copper tailings (CT), the main tailings waste with high emissions and serious pollution, has been attempted to be used as raw materials for cement production. However, the amount of CT used in cement production has been remains low. In this study, 20.31 wt% CT as raw meal and 15 wt% CT as addition was used to prepare CT ordinary Portland cement (CTC15), and the corresponding indicators met P·O 42.5 grade. Saturated lime modulus, silicon modulus, aluminum modulus, holding time and sintering temperature were investigated to optimize CT clinker (CTC). The optimum amount of CT as addition was analyzed. Furthermore, CTC and CTC15 were evaluated in terms of economy and environment. Using only CTC to help the cement factory save natural resources by 234346 t·a−1. By producing CTC15, 293.00 MUSD·a−1 could be generated, reducing CO2 emissions by 44000 t·a−1. As a result, CT has feasibility and great potential in cement production.