Laser-Induced Surface Vitrification for the Sustainable Stabilization of Copper Tailings

César Sáez-Navarrete (), Xavier Baraza, Jorge Ramos-Grez, Carmen Sans, Claudia Arauzo and Yoandy Coca
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César Sáez-Navarrete: Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 7820436, Chile
Xavier Baraza: Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Rambla del Poblenou 156, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Jorge Ramos-Grez: Department of Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 8320165, Chile
Carmen Sans: Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Martí i Franqués 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Claudia Arauzo: Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 7820436, Chile
Yoandy Coca: Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago 7820436, Chile

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-17

Abstract: This study introduces CO 2 laser surface vitrification as an innovative method for managing copper mining tailings, offering a sustainable solution to critical challenges in mineral processing. This technique transforms tailings into a stable and impermeable layer, immobilizing hazardous metals contained within them. By achieving vitrification at the surface level and operating at temperatures around 1200 °C, the process significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional vitrification methods, making it suitable for large-scale applications in remote mining sites. Detailed geochemical and mechanical analyses confirmed the formation of a dense vitreous matrix with high hardness (7.19–7.48 GPa) and reduced permeability, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations. However, the brittle nature of the vitrified layer underscores the need for further research to enhance mechanical resilience. This work positions CO 2 laser vitrification as a transformative approach for integrating energy-efficient technologies into mineral processing, addressing key environmental concerns while advancing the sustainable management of mining waste.

Keywords: mining tailings; CO 2 laser vitrification; hazardous waste stabilization; sustainable mineral processing; environmental contamination control; energy-efficient technologies; tailings encapsulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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