3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose
Abstract Jerada coal mining generates extensive coal mine waste rock (CMWR) piles rich in valuable minerals, posing environmental challenges and economic opportunities. This study examines reprocessing feasibility through 3D geometallurgical characterization. Sampling used down the hole hammer drill...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-02-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Coal Science & Technology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-025-00756-7 |
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| author | Ayoub El Aallaoui Abdellatif Elghali Rachid Hakkou Yassine Taha Mostafa Benzaazoua Mustapha El Ghorfi |
| author_facet | Ayoub El Aallaoui Abdellatif Elghali Rachid Hakkou Yassine Taha Mostafa Benzaazoua Mustapha El Ghorfi |
| author_sort | Ayoub El Aallaoui |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Jerada coal mining generates extensive coal mine waste rock (CMWR) piles rich in valuable minerals, posing environmental challenges and economic opportunities. This study examines reprocessing feasibility through 3D geometallurgical characterization. Sampling used down the hole hammer drilling technique (DTH) and drone surveys for topographical precision. Over 620 samples from (T01, T02, T08) underwent comprehensive analyses including particle size distribution, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), total sulfur/carbon analysis (S/C), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for physical–chemical characterization. Mineralogical aspects were explored via optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Quantitative mineral evaluation by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN) provided mineral insights. Chemical data was used in a 3D block model to quantify residual coal. Results for the three examined CMWR piles (T01, T02, and T08) showed varying D80 from 160 to 300 µm, notable carbon content averaged 12.5 wt% (T01), 16 wt% (T02), and 8.5 wt% (T08). Sulfur presence exceeded 1 wt% in T08, and potential environmental concerns due to iron sulfides. Anthracite liberation was below 30 wt%. 3D modeling estimated a total volume of 7 Mm3, mainly from T08, equaling 11.2 Mt. With its high carbon content and substantial tonnages, re-exploitation or alternative applications could minimize these CMWR piles environmental impact. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c811d82d912146e08c7c2b8b4de517dd |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2095-8293 2198-7823 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Coal Science & Technology |
| spelling | doaj-art-c811d82d912146e08c7c2b8b4de517dd2025-08-20T02:15:17ZengSpringerOpenInternational Journal of Coal Science & Technology2095-82932198-78232025-02-0112112410.1007/s40789-025-00756-73D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purposeAyoub El Aallaoui0Abdellatif Elghali1Rachid Hakkou2Yassine Taha3Mostafa Benzaazoua4Mustapha El Ghorfi5Laboratory of Geo Resources, Geo Environment and Civil Engineering (L3G), Faculty of Science and Technology Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA)Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI), Mohammad VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI), Mohammad VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI), Mohammad VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI), Mohammad VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)Laboratory of Geo Resources, Geo Environment and Civil Engineering (L3G), Faculty of Science and Technology Gueliz, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA)Abstract Jerada coal mining generates extensive coal mine waste rock (CMWR) piles rich in valuable minerals, posing environmental challenges and economic opportunities. This study examines reprocessing feasibility through 3D geometallurgical characterization. Sampling used down the hole hammer drilling technique (DTH) and drone surveys for topographical precision. Over 620 samples from (T01, T02, T08) underwent comprehensive analyses including particle size distribution, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), total sulfur/carbon analysis (S/C), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for physical–chemical characterization. Mineralogical aspects were explored via optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Quantitative mineral evaluation by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN) provided mineral insights. Chemical data was used in a 3D block model to quantify residual coal. Results for the three examined CMWR piles (T01, T02, and T08) showed varying D80 from 160 to 300 µm, notable carbon content averaged 12.5 wt% (T01), 16 wt% (T02), and 8.5 wt% (T08). Sulfur presence exceeded 1 wt% in T08, and potential environmental concerns due to iron sulfides. Anthracite liberation was below 30 wt%. 3D modeling estimated a total volume of 7 Mm3, mainly from T08, equaling 11.2 Mt. With its high carbon content and substantial tonnages, re-exploitation or alternative applications could minimize these CMWR piles environmental impact.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-025-00756-7Waste rockCoal mine waste rockGeochemistry3D ModelingGeometallurgyJerada mine |
| spellingShingle | Ayoub El Aallaoui Abdellatif Elghali Rachid Hakkou Yassine Taha Mostafa Benzaazoua Mustapha El Ghorfi 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose International Journal of Coal Science & Technology Waste rock Coal mine waste rock Geochemistry 3D Modeling Geometallurgy Jerada mine |
| title | 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| title_full | 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| title_fullStr | 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| title_full_unstemmed | 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| title_short | 3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| title_sort | 3d geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose |
| topic | Waste rock Coal mine waste rock Geochemistry 3D Modeling Geometallurgy Jerada mine |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-025-00756-7 |
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