Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Two-way Valorization of Blast Furnace Slag: Synthesis of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate and Zeolitic Heavy Metal Adsorbent
Published on: February 21, 2017
Transforming mining waste into resources: a review on sustainable construction and agricultural utilization
Sathasivam Bommi1, Ettiyagounder Parameswari2, Periyasamy Dhevagi1
1Department of Environmental Science, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India.
Abstract:
Mining operations produce vast quantities of tailings, slags, sludges, and overburden, creating significant environmental, health, and economic risks due to their toxicity and long-term instability. This review evaluates sustainable valorization pathways for these waste materials in agriculture and construction within a circular economy framework. A quantitative meta-analysis and bibliometric assessment of 181 Scopus-indexed publications (2010-2024) identify research trends, hotspots, and reuse efficiencies. The physicochemical properties, reuse potential, and life-cycle performance of major mining by-products-including iron, copper, gold, coal, tungsten, and magnesite tailings-are critically examined. Findings highlight enhanced soil fertility, remediation benefits, and carbon sequestration in agriculture, alongside improved mechanical strength and durability in geopolymers, concrete, and bricks. Despite these advantages, challenges persist regarding scalability, hazardous element stabilization, regulatory gaps, and social acceptance. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Net Present Value (NPV) analyses reveal both sustainability gains and trade-offs. The review outlines strategies for transforming mining waste into valuable resources aligned with low-carbon and SDG-driven development.
More Related Videos
10:31Detection and Recovery of Palladium, Gold and Cobalt Metals from the Urban Mine Using Novel Sensors/Adsorbents Designated with Nanoscale Wagon-wheel-shaped Pores
Published on: December 6, 2015
05:52Resource Recycling of Red Soil to Synthesize Fe2O3/FAU-type Zeolite Composite Material for Heavy Metal Removal
Published on: June 2, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Design Example: Sustainability in Concrete Building
There are multiple approaches to achieve sustainability in a commercial concrete building. For instance, construct a concrete parking area under the building, utilizing pervious concrete paver blocks in open areas to facilitate rainwater collection through an underground...
Bioremediation
Quarrying of Stone
One common method involves using a diamond belt saw to cut large blocks from the quarry face. These blocks can be about 50 feet long and 12 feet high. After the initial vertical cut, drilling is performed at the base of the...
Aggregates Classification
Petrographic classification groups aggregates based on common mineralogical characteristics. Some of the common mineral groups found in aggregates are...
Sustainable Development