## 3 The Role of Mining Tailings in Advancing Sustainable Construction Practices
### Mining Tailings in Ceramic and Brick Manufacturing  
Mining tailings, utilized in ceramic and brick manufacturing, serve as substitutes or supplements for conventional raw materials, such as clay and sand, which are typically extracted through environmentally costly mining processes [167]. These tailings are primarily composed of silica, alumina, and iron oxide. These components are particularly valued in the ceramics and brick industries for their ability to enhance the physical and aesthetic properties of the final products. Silica, for example, plays a critical role in the formation of the glass phase during the firing process in ceramics production [168]. This phase is essential for creating the desired hardness and durability in ceramic products. Alumina, also abundant in tailings, contributes to the structural integrity of ceramics, enhancing their resistance to wear and tear and their ability to withstand high temperatures without deforming [169]. Iron oxide, another significant component of many mining tailings, imparts a natural pigment to bricks, producing a range of earthy tones from reds to browns, which are highly sought after in building aesthetics [170]. Additionally, iron oxide influences the thermal properties of bricks, improving their insulating qualities and overall durability, which is crucial for structural applications where strength and longevity are required [171]. In the ceramics industry, the unique chemical makeup of mining tailings facilitates diverse applications, enhancing both the performance and aesthetic qualities of ceramic products. Solid tailings, especially those that are inert and non-sulfidic, are becoming increasingly popular as primary materials in ceramics. The similarity in chemical properties allows for the tailings to seamlessly replace clay in various ceramic manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the granular size of these tailings plays a crucial role in the ceramic production, affecting the key characteristics, such as plasticity, density, sintering rates, and porosity [172]. The use of finely sized tailings can significantly influence the manufacturing of porcelain, improving the end-product's quality and durability [143]. This substitution is not only a matter of maintaining quality but enhancing it, as the physiochemical interactions during the sintering process can lead to improved hardness and structural integrity of the ceramic items. [PERSON] et al. [173] utilized iron tailings as the primary raw material to develop a type of lightweight and high-strength ceramics. By combining these iron tailings with dolomite and a small amount of clay, and processing them at 1150 \({}^{\circ}\)C in a nitrogen atmosphere, a new material was synthesized that exhibited enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and significant adsorption capacity, making it ideal for diverse engineering applications. Ceramic floors and tiles are exemplary materials where industrial wastes, like tailings, can be utilized effectively. These products benefit from the enhanced properties provided by tailings, meeting the high standards required for modern construction and architectural designs. [PERSON] et al. [145] investigated using sulfidic mine tailings in ceramic roof tiles, finding that incorporating 20% of these tailings not only improved the tiles' properties but reduced the firing temperatures, thus saving energy and costs. The study also proposed a method to manage sulfate emissions, enhancing sustainability in construction material production. Additionally, the high-temperature and pH-resistant nature of the ceramics made with tailings is crucial for applications in challenging industrial environments. The inherent chemical bonds in ceramics, predominantly covalent or ionic, are less reactive under extreme conditions, preserving the integrity and functionality of the ceramic products in oxidative and corrosive settings [174].