Abstract:To explore new pathways for utilization of copper tailings and mine waste rocks, these two materials were selected as raw materials to prepare sintered permeable brick. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) techniques were employed to analyze mineral phase structure and chemical composition of tailings and waste rocks. Sintering mechanism was then analyzed. Compression molding method, with waste rocks as aggregates, was chosen to prepare sintered permeable bricks with a high content of tailings. An in-depth exploration was conducted on the effects of four factors, namely firing temperature, holding time, particle size of waste rocks, and content of tailings, on comprehensive performance of the brick. Ideal combination of the factors required further enhancement of mechanical strength while ensuring permeability performance of the brick, achieving a balance between strength and permeability of the brick. Research results indicated that the optimal process parameters were a firing temperature of 1?180 ℃, a holding time of 80 min, a particle size of waste rocks ranging from 2.00 to 3.35 mm (6~10 mesh), and a tailings content of 60%. Permeable brick prepared under this process exhibited a flexural strength of 4.23 MPa and a permeability coefficient of 10.1×10?2 cm/s, both of which complied with requirements of the national standard GB/T 25993—2023 "permeable paving bricks and permeable paving flags".