A method for the preparation of activated clays and cement additives from
contaminated drill cuttings is provided. The substrate can be mixed with
a mineral acid in a first reactor. The acidified substrate is then mixed
with alkaline earth in a second reactor. The reactions are exothermic and
provide heat to vaporize the contaminants, reaction products, and water.
Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor
collection system. The treated substrate can be heated and/or further
reacted with acid, resulting in the formation of activated clays. For
production of cement additives, the treated substrate can then be heated
in a kiln and combined with cement clinker material for the preparation
of cement and/or concrete.