Current state and prospects of stone mining and stone processing waste use in silicate industries (review)

Abstract

A review of foreign and native publications on the use of man-made raw materials, which is formed during the extraction and processing of rocks, in the silicate materials production was presented. It was shown that, the disposal of large-scale industrial waste from mining and ore processing industrial complexes is promising for solving environmental problems and expanding the raw material base of silicate industries. An increase in the waste consumption degree will contribute to the integrated use of mineral raw materials, as well as a decrease in the volume of their accumulation and an improvement in the environmental situation. A literature review has shown the obvious potential of waste as an alternative raw material for partial or complete replacement of traditional raw materials in various silicate industries. On the example of artificial stone, stone casting, cement, concrete, ceramic bricks and tiles production, the technologies of silicate materials and products were considered, where waste disposal is technologically sound and economically feasible. It was shown that, mineral technogenic raw materials (wastes from mining, mechanical processing and enrichment of rocks) are used as a concrete, artificial stone and other composite binder’s filler, as non-plastic and fluxing components of ceramics bodies, and even as the main raw material in the production of stone casting. On specific examples, it was considered how a reasonable rocks waste use in the silicate materials production can improve the products properties. Requirements were formulated and criteria for the applicability of stone mining and stone processing waste in the silicate materials production were determined, consideration of which will reduce the hazards and risks associated with the possible presence of technologically harmful and potentially hazardous substances in waste. Knowledge of the using peculiarities wastes from the extraction and processing of the different rocks will allow to optimize technological processes when replacing natural raw materials with technogenic materials. Providing scientific and technical information on the advantages of using waste in the ceramic, glass-crystalline, binders and composite materials production will contribute to the development of resource-saving environmentally friendly technologies, natural resources rational use and increase of industrial enterprises responsibility to society and nature.