Minerals from Waste: recent BGS and Tarmac experience in finding uses for mine and quarry waste

Abstract

In 1998 the BGS, in collaboration with Tarmac, initiated an industrial mineral waste project known as REFILL which was funded by the EU BriteEuRam programme. BGS was responsible for the characterization of quarry waste from certain aggregate quarrying operations across the UK. During the work it became clear that there was little information available on the quantity and technical quality of mineral waste in the UK. Also, BGS assisted Tarmac in research work to find uses for the fines produced at a coastal aggregate quarry in southern Ireland.In 1999 BGS developed a further research project, known as 'Minerals from Waste', which was funded by the UK Government Department for International Development (DfID). This project aimed to improve the sustainability of mining communities by investigating the use of mineral waste as a source of construction and industrial minerals. The types of waste found in a range of extractive operations were reviewed. Case studies were carried out in Namibia and Costa Rica including investigations of the properties of the waste, mineral product evaluations, market and economic appraisals and social and environmental impact assessments of local communities. Overall, this work aimed to benefit not only mine and quarry engineers, but all those involved in the management of mine waste.

Characteristics of Waste Generated in Dimension Stone Processing

“…However, the most significant reductions in natural stone wastes may be achieved through proper organisation of the processing plants and increased awareness of the management staff [6]. Mitchell et al [16] and Shamrai et al [17] observe numerous benefits of rational stone waste management, the most significant of which are the potential revenue from the sale of stone waste, thus becoming an additional income for the company, and also a rational use of natural resources. The benefits also include a decreased amount of material lost in extraction and processing, lower costs of waste storage, transportation, and disposal, as well as increased social responsibility of the company.…”

Revaluing mine waste rock for carbon capture and storage

“…Much has been written about the potential use of mine waste for other purposes [7,[9][10][11][12]. The uses vary from aggregate and fill material to structural additives for civil engineering applications.…”

Pozzolan Based 3D Printing Composites: From the Formulation Till the Final Application in the Precision Irrigation Field

“…A possible solution to decrease the environmental impact of the fillers is the direct use of unwanted by-products from industrial processes such as quarry waste. This valorization of waste offers additional benefits such as a reduction in CO 2 emissions, increased profitability (increased income and reduced disposal costs), efficient use of resources, and improved sustainability for local communities [ 25 ].…”