Geotechnical and Geochemical Assessment of Mine Wastes from Sabah, Malaysia for Biocementation Improvement

Mining wastes are known to be harmful the environment especially when unregulated, untreated, or abandoned. The first step in their remedial action is characterization of geotechnical properties. aim this research investigate properties two Copper mine obtained from Lohan and Bongkud Sabah, Malaysia, for potential biocementation treatment. methodology includes soil classification, determination engineering properties, geochemical microstructure fabric. Classification results indicated that while both soils can classified as SM A-4 according USCS AASHTO respectively, waste has higher coarse-grained particles (69.8%) compared (58.1%). Both have a low liquid limit (LL<50), plasticity (PI <7) liquidity (LI<1), close range specific gravity (2.65-2.71). However, pH (5.27) natural moisture content (28.14%) due its organic (1.27%). In terms MDD at 1640 1700 kg/m3 OWC 16 15%, with cohesiveness high angle friction. With hydraulic conductivity, k falls within 10-2 cm/s, these having medium degree permeability. Geochemical analysis presence nine heavy metal elements Pb (0.535 mg/L) Ni (1.092 exceeded safety level Bongkud, respectively. SEM shows disorientation. conclusion, benefitted treatment permeability, heavy-metal contaminations.