Use of Gold Mine Tailings in Production of Concrete- A Feasibility Study

River sand is becoming scarce and meeting the demand of fine aggregates in the construction industry is becoming a challenging task. In this investigation, an attempt is made to utilize gold mine tailings as a partial substitute for river sand in producing concrete. River sand was replaced with 10%, 20%, and 30% gold mine tailings, and the resulting fine aggregates were used in concrete mix. Mix proportions for M25 concrete were obtained for five mixes as per guidelines given in IS: 10262-2009. Workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength are reported. The strengths were obtained at the ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. Compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths increased marginally for 10% and 20% replacements. There was a slight decrease in the corresponding strength at 30% replacement. Good correlation was observed between compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. This investigation proves that gold mine tailings can be used as a partial substitute for river sand in preparing concrete.