Investigating the basic properties of basalt fiber reinforced cemented paste backfill as a sustainable material for mine backfilling

Mine backfilling technologies have evolved, making the mining industry more sustainable. Further gains could be made by exploring additives that enhance the mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of backfill. In this study, a sustainable additive, basalt fiber (BF), was added to cemented paste backfill (CPB) samples at two BF lengths (12 and 18 mm) and three BF dosages (0.50, 0.75, and 1.0%). BF length and dosage influenced the properties of BF-reinforced CPB. Addition of 18 mm BF to the CPB at a dosage of 1% decreased the slump value by up to 74% compared with the control. Consequently, the calculated yield stress doubled from 191.8 Pa to 398.8 Pa. Incorporating 12-mm BF at a dosage of 1% improved the uniaxial compressive strength of the CPB by up to 35% after 7 days of curing. The thermal conductivity of CPB reinforced with 12 mm BFs at a dosage of 0.50% decreased by nearly 36%. Whereas most studies focus on the effects of BF on concrete and other construction materials, these findings show that BF has the potential to improve CPB properties for mining applications, which could help reduce binder content, contributing to improved project economics and sustainable mining practices.