Waste from the coal extraction process a

During mineral mining, huge quantities of waste are produced, which are typically disposed of in the open air, leading to significant environmental concerns. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing waste from the coal extraction process as raw material in the construction industry. The waste materials, specifically the sterile fraction, were characterized and processed accordingly. The sterile waste, with notable higher quantities compared to other waste types, was ground and mixed in various particle size distributions to prepare samples for assessment. These samples, containing 12% water without added materials, were then uniaxially pressed and subjected to heat treatment at 850°C. The results indicated that the processed waste exhibited favorable properties in terms of color, edges, and surface finish. Multiple characterization techniques were employed to analyze the attributes of the produced samples, confirming that the waste could be effectively utilized in construction applications without the need for additional additives, provided a prior milling process is undertaken to achieve suitable particle sizes for compaction. This approach contributes to waste reduction and presents a sustainable alternative for material sourcing in the construction sector.