Abstract
This Webinar examines the use of mine tailings as a practical material for low-carbon cementitious systems, with a focus on their potential application in Saudi Arabia. With growing mining activity across the Kingdom, large volumes of tailings are being generated, creating both a disposal challenge and an opportunity to utilize these materials in construction. This presentation includes selected experimental results showing how mine tailings can be used as partial replacements for binder and aggregates. The discussion will focus on how basic material characteristics such as particle size, mineral composition, and reactivity influence workability, strength, and transport behaviour. Results indicate that, with appropriate processing and mixture design, tailings can achieve performance suitable for structural and non-structural applications. Attention is given to conditions specific to Saudi Arabia, including high temperatures, dry environments, and exposure to aggressive conditions. This talk will outline how tailings available within the Kingdom can be adapted to these conditions while reducing reliance on imported materials. The overall aim is to show a realistic pathway for integrating mine tailings into construction practices in Saudi Arabia in a way that aligns with ongoing sustainability and infrastructure development efforts.
