From linear economy legacies to circular economy resources: Maximising the multifaceted values of legacy mineral wastes

Mayes, William M.; Hull, Susan L.; Gomes, Helena I.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-819817-9.00009-0

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 89 publications

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“…Ramsar wetland sites, Table 1 ), with slag deposits being noted of importance for calcareous grassland plant species and nesting provision in some of the formal designations (Riley et al 2020 ). Given these designations, interest in reworking some of the deposits as was noted at some locations—particularly the blast furnace (BF) slags which are all reused as aggregate/cement substitute from modern iron and steel works (Gomes et al 2016 )—needs balancing with in-situ conservation value at some of these sites (Mayes et al 2022 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental behaviour of iron and steel slags in coastal settings

Riley,

Cameron,

Burke

et al. 2024

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Iron and steel slags have a long history of both disposal and beneficial use in the coastal zone. Despite the large volumes of slag deposited, comprehensive assessments of potential risks associated with metal(loid) leaching from iron and steel by-products are rare for coastal systems. This study provides a national-scale overview of the 14 known slag deposits in the coastal environment of Great Britain (those within 100 m of the mean high-water mark), comprising geochemical characterisation and leaching test data (using both low and high ionic strength waters) to assess potential leaching risks. The seaward facing length of slag deposits totalled at least 76 km, and are predominantly composed of blast furnace (iron-making) slags from the early to mid-20th Century. Some of these form tidal barriers and formal coastal defence structures, but larger deposits are associated with historical coastal disposal in many former areas of iron and steel production, notably the Cumbrian coast of England. Slag deposits are dominated by melilite phases (e.g. gehlenite), with evidence of secondary mineral formation (e.g. gypsum, calcite) indicative of weathering. Leaching tests typically show lower element (e.g. Ba, V, Cr, Fe) release under seawater leaching scenarios compared to deionised water, largely ascribable to the pH buffering provided by the former. Only Mn and Mo showed elevated leaching concentrations in seawater treatments, though at modest levels (<3 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively). No significant leaching of potentially ecotoxic elements such as Cr and V (mean leachate concentrations <0.006 mg/L for both) were apparent in seawater, which micro-X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (μXANES) analysis show are both present in slags in low valence (and low toxicity) forms. Although there may be physical hazards posed by extensive erosion of deposits in high-energy coastlines, the data suggest seawater leaching of coastal iron and steel slags in the UK is likely to pose minimal environmental risk.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental behaviour of iron and steel slags in coastal settings

Riley,

Cameron,

Burke

et al. 2024

Environ Sci Pollut Res

Self Cite

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“…Young and Baretto [5] described a context for the adaptation of CE techniques and methods in the mining systems of Canada and recommended several key principles for the sustainable transformation of mines, such as redesign of mining operations based on zero waste, low carbon, and social acceptance provisions. Mayes et al [30] suggested a circular sustainability framework for better use of former mining lands, emphasizing the recovery of resources (metals and minerals, aggregates, heat, and power), carbon storage, ecosystem enhancement, and societal benefits. Vo et al [31] introduced a new perspective on the reusability of coal mining wastes and geomaterials as raw materials in the construction industry, especially in the production of concrete and cementitious composites for civil engineering applications.…”

Section: Sustainable Transformation Of Mining Technical Systems and O...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kivinen [43] analyzed the restrictions and hazards to be properly managed in the sustainable redesign of the land use complexes in post-mining sites. Mayes et al [30] suggested introducing CE practices for the legacy waste management of post-mining sites for the benefit of resource recovery, carbon storage, ecosystem enhancement, and societal benefits from the change in land use in reclaimed areas. Finally, Vo et al [31] presented a review of the geochemical, geotechnical, and structural engineering properties of coal mining waste geomaterials and proposed the valorization and upcycling of these materials for the replacement of aggregates and binders in the preparation of concrete and cementitious composites.…”

Section: Environmental and Ecological Restorationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology

Spanidis¹,

Roumpos

Pavloudakis

2023

Sustainability

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The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing the mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices and methods are introduced for efficient and socio-environmentally friendly use of mining wastes and non-exploited resources. The selection of a strategy for the sustainable transformation of a mine constitutes a complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides a critical analysis concerning the definition of the transformation problems and suggests a decision-making methodology for the selection of a strategy for sustainability with a case study of a closing surface lignite mine in Greece. The methodology combines (a) a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis of the factors of critical importance for the evaluation of alternative strategies, and (b) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied for the quantification and use of these factors for the selection of the most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. The results indicate that the proposed analysis can be used as a practical decision-making tool to resolve complex problems related to the mine closure and post-mining issues.

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From linear economy legacies to circular economy resources: Maximising the multifaceted values of legacy mineral wastes

Cited by 2 publications

References 89 publications

Environmental behaviour of iron and steel slags in coastal settings

Environmental behaviour of iron and steel slags in coastal settings

Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology

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