Study on the Possibilities of Utilizing Wastes of Polymetallic Combines in South Kazakhstan for the Production of Composite Heavy Concrete

This article explores the use of waste from polymetallic combines in South Kazakhstan, specifically tailings from the Achisay and Ansay deposits, as aggregates (crushed stone, sand) and mineral additives (dispersed barite powder) for producing concrete with specified operational properties. These secondary raw materials are now abundant in relation to their use, which makes them an affordable and accessible alternative for the manufacturing of concrete while also promoting environmental sustainability. X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy of enriched barite ores in these tailings revealed valuable components, such as calcite, quartzite, and dolomite, suitable for use as aggregates and mineral additives. The calcite and quartzite content in the Ansay samples exceeds that in the Achisay samples. Concrete mixes with various proportions of crushed stone and sand from these tailings were prepared, and their working characteristics were analyzed. The impacts of filler content and grain composition on the characteristics of concrete mixtures were identified, and the requirements for optimizing aggregate grain composition to produce heavy concrete with desired qualities were determined. Heavy concrete with densities from 2300 to 2839 kg/m3 and compressive strengths from 41.6 to 58.2 MPa was developed. Physical and mechanical properties, including density, water absorption, frost resistance, and compressive strength, were also evaluated, confirming the feasibility of using technogenic waste in composite heavy concrete production.