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The challenges of reusing mining and mineral-processing wastes
Zhengfu Bian1, Xiexing Miao, Shaogang Lei
1Institute for Land Resources, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221116, China. zfbian@cumt.edu.cn
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 11, 2012
Summary
Mining waste reuse is crucial for sustainable development, but requires careful assessment of environmental impacts. Evaluating source rock properties ensures safe and economically viable applications for these abundant materials.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Sustainable Development
Background:
- Mining and mineral-processing wastes represent a significant global waste challenge.
- The reuse of these wastes is essential for future sustainable development initiatives.
- Assessing the environmental impacts of waste reuse is critical due to high variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of mining waste reuse in sustainable development.
- To emphasize the need for thorough assessment of environmental impacts.
- To identify potential applications for mining waste based on source rock properties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of chemical composition of source rock.
- Evaluation of geotechnical properties of source rock.
- Assessment of potential environmental impacts of various reuse scenarios.
Main Results:
- Source rock's chemical and geotechnical properties dictate appropriate reuse strategies.
- Proper evaluation enables reuse for mineral reextraction, fuel supplementation, and construction materials.
- Mining waste can be utilized for repairing land structures affected by mining.
Conclusions:
- Mining waste reuse offers significant potential for sustainable development.
- Economic feasibility and environmental safety are contingent on thorough source rock evaluation.
- Strategic reuse of mining waste can mitigate environmental concerns and create value.
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