Poison Block: evidence of As-Sb mineralization waste used as aggregate in Portland Concrete in Matra Mining District (Corse, France)

This work focuses on the investigation of the utilization of As-Sb mineralization waste as aggregate in Portland Cement in the Matra Mining District (Corse). The study aims to provide evidence of the presence of toxic elements and potential environmental hazards associated with the usage of this waste material in cement production. The Matra Mining District in Corse is known for its rich mineral deposits, including arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb). These elements are often present in various mineralization wastes generated during the mining and extraction processes. During field research conducted in the Matra Mining District, we observed that several structures belonging to mining facilities have been constructed using As-Sb mineralization waste as aggregate in cement production. Considering that approximately 0.8 m3 of aggregate is required for every 300 kg of cement, it is evident that the practice of utilizing mining waste and by-products can serve as a viable solution to reduce the volume of these waste geomaterials. This study employed a combination of field surveys and laboratory analyses to assess the extent of As-Sb mineralization waste usage in Portland Cement production within the Matra Mining District. Field surveys were conducted to identify the cement plants that employed this waste material and to collect representative samples for further analysis. Laboratory analyses involved the characterization of the mineralization waste and its potential release of toxic elements. Techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine the mineralogical composition and elemental distribution. In future we want to perform a leaching test to evaluate the potential release of toxic elements from the waste material. The results indicated that several cement plants within the Matra Mining District utilized As-Sb mineralization waste as aggregate in Portland Cement production. The mineralization waste exhibited significant concentrations of As and Sb, with variations depending on the specific waste source. The implications of these findings highlight the need for careful consideration of the usage of As-Sb mineralization waste in local cement production. Although it offers a promising solution for waste management, its potential impact on the environment and human health should be thoroughly evaluated. Mitigation measures such as appropriate waste treatment and monitoring systems should be implemented to minimize the release of toxic elements and ensure sustainable cement production practices. This study provides valuable evidence of As-Sb mineralization waste usage in Portland Cement and emphasizes the importance of conducting comprehensive assessments to ensure the safety and environmental sustainability of such practices. The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential risks associated with the incorporation of mining waste into construction materials, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding waste management strategies in the Matra Mining District and similar regions.