Benzaazoua, M, Peyronnard, O, Belem, T, Fried, E, Stephant, A & Dublet, G 2010, 'Key issues related to behaviour of binders in cemented paste backfilling', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2010: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 345-363, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_30_Benazzaoua
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1063_30_Benazzaoua/)
Abstract: Backfilling practices become widely used by modern hard rock mines helping ore extraction as well as 
allowing a more integrated solid waste management. Among backfill types, cemented paste backfill is taking 
an increasing interest since its easy placement in the underground stopes and its capacity to use reactive 
sulfidic tailings. Various binder agents, including conventional manufactured cements and alternative 
additives, can be used in order to set the needed mechanical properties of the backfill during mining 
sequences. Due to the high price of binders and their sensitivity towards chemical properties of the backfill 
material, backfill recipe optimisation becomes capital. The key note will focus on the various sources and 
compositions of the most common binders in paste backfilling. The paper will also contribute in the 
understanding of the binder hardening processes in cemented paste; focusing particularly on i) cement 
hydration, ii) water demand and water chemical interactions, iii) solid mineralogy, iv) sulfate and sulfide 
behaviours, v) temperature role, etc. The main short- and long-terms behaviour types of cemented paste 
backfill will be discussed (effects of drainage-consolidation, sulfate attacks, etc.).