A Case Study of Mine Environmental Restoration using Coal Ash

Abstract

Globally, there has been a lot of research related to recycling coal ash from power plant stations. This research is happening because there is a considerable shortage of sites for reclamation of increased coal ash every year. In addition, a variety of environmental pollutants have appeared because of mining activity. Abandoned coal mine, pits, and mine tailing piles caused pollutants to come to the surface resulting in serious damage for humans and the environment. Therefore in this study, we investigated whether or not coal ashes have the ability to prevent several environmental problems by mining in Korea and a manageable form recycling coal ashes. In overseas countries, there is a sufficient field of applicable cases where coal ash is used for neutralizing AMD (Acid Mine Drainage), covering of the waste materials, grouting, and soil amendments. However in Korea, since the coal ash is classified as a 'waste', there is an insufficient field applicable cases so far. Therefore it is necessary to establish a specific standard and management system for the utilization of coal ash based on the relevant precedent cases applied abroad in order to prevent environmental pollution caused by mining activity in Korea.

The Study on the Removal Process of Heavy Metals from Mine Drainage Using Coal Bottom Ash

“…또한, 물리적으로 다공성 구 형 입자, 입도 10~100 μm(평균 20~30 μm), 비표면적 2,000~ 4,000 cm 3 /g의 특성을 갖고 있어 흡착제로의 활용성이 뛰 어난 물질로 알려져 있다 [7][8] . 따라서 석탄회를 활용하면 폐광산에서 발생하는 산성광산배수(acid mine drainage, AMD)를 중화시키면서 광산배수 내 가용성 중금속을 효과 적으로 흡착 및 침전시켜 제거할 수 있을 것으로 보인다 4,9,10) .…”