Abstract
In this study, the chemical composition and morphology of fly ash stabilised gold mine tailings was examined, to evaluate its possible application for building and construction industry. Cyanide treated gold mine tailings (treated from the source), where gold has already been recovered was used in this study. The tailings were stabilised with fly ash, to improve its properties. Specimen at the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content were prepared and cured at low and elevated temperatures of 40 °C for 7 days and 80 °C for 4 days, respectively. The effect of stabilizing gold mine tailings using fly-ash at different tailings to fly-ash ratios of 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60 were studied. The obtained results showed that at the elevated temperature, hydration products that have a great potential to enhance the strength of the material were formed. Fly-ash stabilized gold tailings and increased the relative proportion of calcium oxide and alumina that contribute to strength enhancement.