New Ceramic Materials with Mining Additives: A Strategy Towards a Circular Economy in the Construction Industry

Abstract

This study is part of the search for sustainable solutions for the construction sector, exploring the use of mining waste as additives in the manufacture of ceramic materials. In line with the principles of the circular economy, a technical alternative for the valorisation of industrial by-products is proposed, promoting the reduction of the consumption of virgin resources and the minimisation of environmental impacts associated with the extraction and transport of raw materials. The research integrates advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydritic testing, porosimetry and compressive strength to evaluate the behaviour of ceramic mixtures formulated with different proportions of mining sludge. This multidisciplinary approach allows a comprehensive characterisation of the structural, morphological and functional evolution of the material during the sintering process. Overall, the results confirm the technical and environmental viability of the use of mining sludge in the manufacture of structural ceramics, highlighting the improvement of their qualities as a function of the proportion of additive and firing temperature. Its use poses a viable solution from both a technical and environmental point of view, with potential for application on an industrial scale. The implementation of these strategies contributes both to the effective recovery of mining waste and to the improvement of the efficiency of production processes and the transition towards a more resilient and environmentally friendly industry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.