Characterization and Application of Spodumene Flotation Tailing in the Production of Whiteware Ceramic

The valorization of mineral sector tailings can reduce environmental impacts and create economic opportunities, aligning with the concept of responsible mining. This study proposes using spodumene concentration tailings combined with white clay for ceramic production. The clay sample was chemically characterized (XRF), while the tailings sample was characterized chemically (ICP-OES and XRF), mineralogically (XRD), and physically. Test specimens with varying tailings percentages (0–30%) were pressed at 28 MPa, dried at 110°C, and sintered at 1100°C. The clay primarily consists of Si and Al, while the tailings feature particles with an average diameter of 81.2 µm, a surface area of 2.25 m2/g, and a mineralogical composition of silicates and aluminosilicates, with 1.44% thermogravimetric decomposition up to 1000°C. Incorporating tailings showed an inverse relationship with water absorption and a direct relationship with apparent density and mechanical strength, likely due to feldspars acting as fluxing agents during sintering. Mineralogical analysis of ceramic bricks revealed that tailings incorporation promoted phase transformations, reducing quartz content while increasing mullite and cristobalite due to fluxing agents (e.g., albite, spodumene) and partial feldspar decomposition at sintering temperatures. These findings support the feasibility of using these tailings to produce high-quality ceramics.