Geotechnical characterization of Nalunaq Gold Mine residues for in-situ engineering applications

Nalunaq gold mine has adopted dry stack tailings as a backfill material for open stopes without cementation. This thesis characterises the newly produced tailings using both quantitative and qualitative laboratory testing methods, establishing a baseline understanding of physicochemical, geotechnical, and hydraulic parameters to assess the suitability for underground dry stack backfilling. The results are grouped into three categories addressing physiochemical, geotechnical, and hydro-mechanical properties. In addition, waste rock was analysed to evaluate its suitabil-ity for local road construction purposes. The findings indicate that the tailings are poorly graded, have low permeability, and exhibit high water retention. They show high shear strength at low moisture contents, with strength decreasing as water con-tent increases. The waste rock shows strong abrasion resistance and a slightly alka-line pH, suggesting potential for use in gravel road construction. Overall, both materials show promising potential for implementation in on-site ap-plications for underground backfilling.