Development of Ceramic Tiles from Philippine Nickel Laterite Mine Waste by Ceramic Casting Method

Abstract

Siltation is the biggest environmental challenge associated with nickel laterite mining in the Philippines. The amount of silt generated is huge and one mitigation strategy currently employed by the mining companies is the construction of siltation ponds where the bulk of the clayey- and silt-sized surface runoffs is collected. However, this poses several serious environmental hazards such as landslides due to heavy rainfall and the potential release of hazardous heavy metals. A promising approach to reduce the risks associated with long-term storage of nickel mine waste (NMW) is to employ circular economy by repurposing it for ceramic applications. While generating useful materials with economic value out of a mine waste, it will result in a reduction in volume of waste for disposal. In this study, the method employed to produce NMW-based ceramic wall and floor tiles is slip casting as it is the most appropriate method in forming tiles with complex surface features. Five formulations of NMW-based slips were made for the casting of ceramic tiles and each slip was characterized for its suitability as raw material. The results of NMW characterization show that NMW could be utilized as raw materials for both ceramic wall and floor tiles and the addition of feldspar can enhance casting and physical properties.

Keywords

• nickel mine waste
• siltation pond
• repurposing of waste
• ceramic tiles
• circular economy
• Philippines nickel mine