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Tailings from Fundão Tragedy: Physical–Chemical Properties of the Material That Remains by Candonga Dam
Author(s) -
Figueiredo Marina Duarte,
Lameiras Fernando Soares,
Ardisson José Domingos,
Araujo Maria Helena,
Teixeira Ana Paula de Carvalho
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
integrated environmental assessment and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1551-3793
pISSN - 1551-3777
DOI - 10.1002/ieam.4227
Subject(s) - tailings , hematite , hydroelectricity , goethite , tailings dam , environmental science , work (physics) , environmental engineering , organic matter , engineering , geology , metallurgy , chemistry , materials science , mineralogy , organic chemistry , adsorption , mechanical engineering , electrical engineering
In this work, samples of Fe mining tailings from the collapsed Fundão Dam, Brazil, which were retained by the Candonga hydroelectric power plant, were characterized by various techniques. Quartz, hematite, kaolinite, and goethite were identified as the main phases present. The composition, homogeneity, and relatively low (~1%) organic matter content indicate potential for usage of these tailings in civil constructions. The next step of this work is to investigate such applications. If their feasibility is confirmed, the goal is to use this material for construction in the areas affected by the Fundão Dam rupture. This use will lead to positive socio‐environmental impacts in these regions, where tailings still need to be removed and damaged infrastructure needs to be repaired. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:636–642. © 2019 SETAC