Author Identifier (ORCID)
Adeel Iqbal: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2170-0789
Nuha S. Mashaan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0331-4254
Themelina Paraskeva: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5097-8523
Abstract
This paper presents a critical and comprehensive review of the application of mining waste, specifically waste rock and tailings, in asphalt pavements, with the aim of synthesizing performance outcomes and identifying key research gaps. A systematic literature search yielded a final dataset of 41 peer-reviewed articles for detailed analysis. Bibliometric analysis indicates a notable upward trend in annual publications, reflecting growing academic and practical interest in this field. Performance-based evaluations demonstrate that mining wastes, particularly iron and copper tailings, have the potential to enhance the high-temperature performance (i.e., rutting resistance) of asphalt binders and mixtures when utilized as fillers or aggregates. However, their effects on fatigue life, low-temperature cracking, and moisture susceptibility are inconsistent, largely influenced by the physicochemical properties and dosage of the specific waste material. Despite promising results, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly in relation to long-term durability, comprehensive environmental and economic Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA), and the inherent variability of waste materials. This review underscores the substantial potential of mining wastes as sustainable alternatives to conventional pavement materials, while emphasizing the need for further multidisciplinary research to support their broader implementation.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
8-1-2025
Volume
9
Issue
8
Publication Title
Journal of Composites Science
Publisher
MDPI
School
Mineral Recovery Research Centre / School of Engineering
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Iqbal, A., Mashaan, N. S., & Paraskeva, T. (2025). Mining waste in asphalt pavements: A critical review of waste rock and tailings applications. Journal of Composites Science, 9(8), 402. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080402