The Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) has developed a technique that not only solves the problem of recycling coal mining waste, but also turns it into a useful resource. We are talking about the use of waste rock (septic tanks) in the production of building materials and the extraction of rare earth metals from mine waters.
Every year in Russia millions of tons of waste from coal mining are generated. production, which occupy large areas and pollute the environment. PNIPU scientists proposed using this waste as a mineral additive for cement and concrete.
Experiments have shown that replacing 20% of cement with unburned waste heap increases the strength of the mortar by 21%. “This not only saves resources, but also improves the quality of building materials,” explains PNIPU associate professor Stepan Leontyev.
The technology has already been tested in the Kizelovsky coal basin, where about 13 million cubic meters of technogenic waste have been accumulated.
Another promising direction is the extraction of valuable metals from abandoned mines. After the closure of the mines in the Kizelovsky basin 20 years ago, groundwater accumulated in them, polluting the rivers. Scientists have discovered niobium, tungsten and scandium in these waters.
Technologies are now being developed that will make it possible to purify mine water and at the same time extract rare earth elements from it. This will solve two problems: environmental and resource.
The initiatives of Perm scientists help reduce the burden on nature and create new sources of raw materials. The introduction of these methods into industry could be an important step towards the sustainable development of coal mining regions.
PNRPU research demonstrates that even waste can become a valuable resource. Recycling waste dumps and extracting metals from mine water are examples of an effective combination of ecology and economics. The introduction of such technologies will help reduce the harmful impact on the environment and create new production chains.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology
Source: @menteetmalleo
