Abstract
Natural dimension stone processing generates large volumes of stone waste, which have a significant impact on the environment, as well as on the efficiency and profitability of the stone-processing plant. The article presents the characteristics of waste produced as a result of natural dimension stone processing and the structure of the waste production process. Solid stone scraps and sludge were distinguished. On the basis of the performed analyses, it was shown that stone waste constitutes 10–35% in relation to the quantity of the processed stone material, with the quantity of sludge being even threefold greater than the volume of solid scraps. According to the circular economy principles, the aim should be to reduce the amount of waste generated by reducing primary resources in favour of secondary material. Reducing the volume of stone waste is possible through rational planning of stone production while at the same time maximising the efficiency of stone material usage and introducing the most modern processing machines. This significant volume of stone waste encourages efforts to find solutions for both its management and reduction. This paper reviews the utility potential of stone waste. Sensible use of waste is important to increase the profitability and productivity of processing plants while incentivising environmental protection.
Highlights
Natural stone owes its popularity to its availability, performance, and decorative qualities
The volume of generated stone waste largely depends on the amount of the processed material, on the type and size of the generated waste, the type and geological properties of the stone, the type of machinery used for stone processing [4], as well as on the applied technology of dimension natural stone processing, the degree to which the block of stone is used in order to produce the final product and the needs of the clients
Stone wastes generated as a result of natural stone processing in stonemasonry companies represent a special type of mining waste
Summary
Natural stone owes its popularity to its availability, performance, and decorative qualities. The volume of generated stone waste largely depends on the amount of the processed material (and the efficiency of the processing plant), on the type and size of the generated waste, the type and geological properties of the stone, the type of machinery used for stone processing [4], as well as on the applied technology of dimension natural stone processing, the degree to which the block of stone is used in order to produce the final product and the needs of the clients. In order to identify its potential applications, it is important to identify the volume of stone waste generated, as well as its character [7] This task is sometimes difficult, when different types of natural stone are supplied to processing plants. This article characterises the process of generating stone wastes and indicates their types and quantities, as well as their potential application
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
