Comparative life cycle and sensitivity analysis of zinc tailings as a sustainable structural fill

Graphical abstract Source: Authors’ own work A conceptual schematic compares sand and Z O T use for foundations, showing strength gain, carbon dioxide reduction, sustainability, and a cross-waste return to a tailing site. The schematic presents the concept of foundation construction using sand and Z O T material. Sand is shown linked to a foundation grid. Z O T is shown as a recovered resource used for foundation construction and transported by truck. A check mark indicates suitability for foundation use. An upward arrow indicates increased strength. A downward arrow with C O 2 indicates reduced carbon dioxide. Symbols representing environmental sustainability and stakeholder interest are shown above the Z O T scheme. An arrow from Z O T toward a tailing waste site is marked with a cross symbol. The tailing waste site is labelled waste and marked hazardous with a warning symbol. A legend lists foundation, environmental sustainability, stakeholder interest, resource recovery, tailing waste site, and hazardous. Purpose This study aims to assess and compare the environmental impacts of using zinc tailings versus sand as structural filling material. The study also aims to check the effect of transportation distance on the environmental impacts generated by zinc tailings. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a three-step methodology in accordance with the life cycle assessment framework. Environmental modeling of both systems has been done using the OpenLCA software. The results are presented in 11 midpoint and three endpoint environmental impact categories. The study has used primary data from a real-world case study in India and secondary data from the Eco-Invent 3.9.1 database. Monte Carlo simulation has been used to explore the sensitivity of results to transportation distances. Findings The analysis reveals significant environmental advantages of zinc tailing utilization all midpoint and endpoint categories, including a 94% reduction in climate change impact and a 52% decrease in terrestrial acidification compared to sand foundations. Findings indicate that even with varying transport distances, zinc tailing use remains environmentally beneficial overall. Research limitations/implications This study does not compare the economic and social impacts of this repurposing of mining waste. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable mining practices and circular economy principles in construction. It demonstrates the potential of repurposing mining waste to address environmental challenges while providing an alternative construction material.