A review of the sustainable application of copper tailings as cementitious materials in concrete

The high-scale processing of copper ore generates a massive amount of Copper Tailings (CT), which pose significant environmental and land management concerns. Several studies have examined the application of CT waste as a partial substitute for cement in concrete, providing a sustainable alternative for waste management and carbon footprint reduction. This paper investigates the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of CT along with their pozzolanic behaviour when mixed into a cementitious system. Studies show that CT, a residual waste, can be used in appropriate amounts to improve the concrete’s long-term strength and durability, even though its initial strength might be somewhat reduced. The review also assesses the impact of CT on workability, mechanical strength and resistance to chemical attack. Additional environmental benefits, such as reduced CO 2 emissions, conservation of natural resources, and lower disposal impacts, are emphasized. However, variability in tailings composition, low reactivity, and compatibility with other supplementary materials remain key challenges. Overall, this analysis indicates that copper tailings with proper processing and mix optimization can be applied as a viable supplemental cementitious material in sustainable manufacturing of concrete. Further research is essential to improve activation techniques, field performance, and standardization for practical applications.