Rommel Carlo N.

Largado BSCE 4A

human lives and nature as caused by the discharge from the mining activities in the areas of Calancan Bay where the disposal system maybe found. Due to an incident happened last March 24, 1996; the occurrence of an earthquake triggered the mine tailings to spill out along the longest river of the province, which is the Boac River. A total of one million six hundred cubic meters of crushed rocks and water called tailings accidentally escaped from Marcopper Mining Corporation which turned the crystal clear water of the river muddy and polluted causing all inhabitants of the river to die. The mine spills caused the tragic death of the river. Also, the residents near the river needed to find an alternative source to sustain their daily living. Moreover, Boac River is one of the prime sources of aggregates used in building construction but not until the Marcopper Mining Corporations tapian pit leaked and mine tailings spilled out through the river. Large amount of tailings devastated the entire river channel. Tons of crushed rocks and by-products of mining activities altered the aggregates in the river bed and river bank. Mine tailings filled up and scattered over the spilled areas. The problem arises on how to properly dispose these tailings in such a way that the environment will not be further destructed. The incident obliged the Marcopper Mining Corporation to stop its operation and preliminary rehabilitation of affected areas begun.

WORKABILITY OF PLASTER WITH MINE TAILINGS AS FINE AGGREGATES

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This thesis entitled Workability of Plaster with Mine Tailings as Fine Aggregates is a study that can solve problems regarding the disposal of mine tailings along some of the rivers in Marinduque. The Marcopper Mining Corporation as one of the mine companies producing gold and copper started its operation in the year 1969. Thus it is one of the prime contributors in the development and advancement of Marinduque as well as in the progress of the economy of the province. According to Ante (1990), the company pays 6.5 billion pesos for its taxes. It has an employment of over 1500 people with a yearly payroll and fringe benefits of over 100 million pesos. It gives some donations for the renovation and construction of different infrastructures in Marinduque. It contributes electricity to thr whole province and it generates additional taxes for the government, contractors, suppliers and employees as well. In spite of its advantages, the corporation posed critical effects on

Proposals and recommendations by different agencies claimed to assist in proper disposal of the mine tailings. Some of the officials proposed to return wastes from the source where they come from. Others proposed to dump the tailings in the middle of the sea while on the other hand; it can be utilized economically and wisely. For these reasons, the researcher arrived to conduct a study on the valuable utilization of the mine tailings as fine aggregates in plastering. The study will eventually convert the tailings from waste materials into a construction material. The conversion of these materials into valuable fine aggregates also supports the economic development of the province. Statement of the problem This study aimed to determine the workability of plaster with mine tailings as fine aggregates. Specifically, this study intended to answer the following question: Does the plaster with mine tailings as fine aggregate passed with the measurement of workability as follows? 1. Absorption capacity 2. Bonding capacity a. Plasticity b. Sand carrying capacity 3. Compatibility

a. Soaking 4. Stabilty a. Hardness b. Retentivity 5. Consistency

Significance of the study This study intends to help and open the mind of the people of Marinduque whose job is in the field of construction so that they can gain more knowledge in those waste materials as fine aggregates. Hopefully, this study will serve as a tool by the concerned government agency who are solving the problem in mine tailings disposal, instead of disposing it, can be used economically and wisely to a more useful products to the fact that the aggregates here in the province are limited and some are buried caused by the mine tailings. In addition, this study will serve as a guide and reference to the students having related study.

Scope and Delimitations of the study This study covered the workability of plaster with mine tailings as fine aggregates and is limited to the determination of its workability considering; absorption capacity, bonding capacity which

includes plasticity and sand carrying; compatibility as soaking; stability includes hardness and retentivity; and consistency

For the Scope and Delimitation, facilities needed to test plaster from mine tailings were not stated, as well as the time and duration of study. The researcher was honest of the limitations which brings credence to the study. For the significance of the study, the researcher expressed the value of the research; significant contribution of the results of the study was stated.

CRITIQUE The first paragraph of the Introduction provides information on what the topic is all about, and has justification that the problem can be solve through her research. The second paragraph is good, where in she stated some backgrounds on the Marcopper Mining Corporation and the tragedies it brought to people and other on-going effects of improper waste disposal of toxic substances. The introduction encourages a reader on keep on reading the research especially those who work on construction firms as it will be helpful as an alternative building material. The introduction met the requirement that it should be a two or three page discussion. She also briefly expressed the need to undertake the study about the problem Statement of the Problem was clearly stated. Did not include in the statement of the problem the reason why it is a problem.