Concrete Mixtures

But wait… there’s more!

Just when you thought we’d told you about every way you can use graphite mine tailings, there is yet another way these tailings can benefit us.

When concrete is used with graphite mine tailings the tailings gives the concrete additional benefits such as photocatalytic self-cleaning attributes. Photocatalysis is basically the opposite of photosynthesis. In the process of photocatalysis minerals are energized by light and organic matter is broken down by this natural chemical process.

In the classic mix design of ultra-high-performance-concrete (UHPC), finer quartz sand is typically used as aggregate. However, graphite tailings, as a type of solid waste, have been proven to be usable in the preparation of traditional cement-based materials.

Agri Minerals Graphite Sand (AMGS) are graphite mine tailings from Burnet, Texas. This graphite open pit mine, has been collecting tailings since 1913, off and on, through 1999. While the mine is no longer actively mining graphite, there are tons of tailings that previously have been considered waste. The scientific community has come to realize that this “waste” can actually be recycled and with great benefit to several sectors of industry.

In fact, NASA has weighed in on photocatalytic self-cleaning surfaces. It is a very interesting read and worth exploring the possibilities. Additionally, we have included other articles that discuss this process.