Guo, L, Yang, X & Xie, L 2010, 'An experimental study on the mechanical properties of cemented rock – tailings fill', 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. 469-477, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_41_Guo
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1063_41_Guo/)
Abstract: This paper outlines an effective approach to making composite backfill using mine waste material. 
Composite materials are widely used in many areas of engineering because of their unique structural 
properties. Cemented rock–tailings are one of the most prevalent materials used for composite backfill 
because they can effectively make use of mine waste rock and mill tailings that would otherwise be simply 
considered waste. This backfill method has the capability of maintaining the mine environment while still 
allowing for continued mine development.  
An experimental study is being conducted in a cooperative mine research project to investigate the 
properties of backfill material and specifically the mechanical characteristics of cemented waste rock–
tailings fill. This study details the characteristics of the composite backfill aggregate with respect to the 
compressive strength of the cemented rock–tailings fill and the backfill mix-proportion, as well as outlines a 
new method of study for cemented rock–tailings fill mechanics. The study results show the compressive 
strength of cemented rock–tailings fill is dependent mainly on the cement and waste rock content. Ensuring a 
precise backfill mix proportion can effectively reduce the cement dosage, thereby decreasing the backfill cost 
realised for the mine.