Gold mine tailings in concrete and SCMs: Comprehensive review of reactivity enhancement, optimized performance, and pathways to sustainability

The mining industry generates vast quantities of gold mine tailings (GMTs), which present serious environmental management challenges while simultaneously offering untapped potential as alternative construction materials. This review provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of GMT valorization pathways in the context of sustainable concrete production and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Synthesizing data from over 50 peer-reviewed studies, the paper systematically analyzes the physical, chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural characteristics of GMTs in relation to their impact on various construction materials’ performance. Four principal utilization strategies are examined: as fine aggregate replacements in concrete, in SCMs, and reactive components in both geopolymer and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The review explores the effectiveness of mechanical, thermal, chemical, and combined activation methods in enhancing the reactivity of GMTs, particularly in systems where native pozzolanic activity is limited. Particular attention is given to the environmental behavior of GMTs, especially their leaching potential, with compiled findings confirming that heavy metal mobility can be effectively mitigated through incorporation into stable cementitious matrices. Notably, most GMTs exhibit high silica content and favorable alumino-silicate ratios, supporting their integration into alkali-activated and blended binder systems. A complementary bibliometric analysis reveals a critical research gap regarding GMT-specific studies, establishing the novelty and timeliness of this work. The findings demonstrate that, when properly processed, GMTs can contribute to enhanced performance, low-carbon construction materials, aligning with circular economy goals and sustainability targets. This review offers a unified framework for GMT valorization and provides clear research directions to enable industrial-scale implementation and regulatory acceptance.