Coal Mine Waste Research Articles

Utilization of extracted carbonaceous shale waste in eco-friendly cementitious blends

This research concerns the analysis and application of extracted shale from mining waste at the Lubelski Węgiel „Bogdanka“ S.A. coal mine in Poland. Various analyses were performed on both raw and thermally activated forms of extracted shale, and then the thermally activated one was used as a partial cement substitute in a PC-based paste. In order to reduce the required additional energy, the activation temperature for the extracted shale was chosen to be 600 °C according to the simultaneous thermal analysis measurement. Chemical, mineralogical, physical, and morphological analyses, thermogravimetry, and pozzolanic activity tests of raw and thermally activated extracted shale were conducted. The Portland cement pastes containing either 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% of thermally activated extracted shale were compared to a reference plain cement paste. Cement pastes with the thermally activated extracted shale were studied in the fresh and also hardened state after 7, 28, and 90 days of setting. Furthermore, mechanical, structural, and microstructural properties were measured and compared with the reference. Simultaneous thermal analysis with a mass spectrometer (STA-MS), isothermal calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and strength activity index (SAI) evaluation were used to assess the evolution and rate of the pozzolanic reaction. All the performed analyses confirmed the pozzolanic activity of the thermally treated extracted shale and its potential in cement industry applications. The extracted shale also acted partially as a microfiller. The use of calcined extracted shale reduced the porosity of the cement matrix and increased its flexural and compressive strength. For 90-day samples, a slight hindrance in the precipitation of final substances was observed as a result of different kinetics of hydration and pozzolanic reactions. Taking all of the results into consideration, the coal mining waste – calcined extracted shale – can find use as a partial cementitious substitute for up to 20 wt%.

Minimising Coal Mining’s Impact on Biodiversity: Artificial Soils for Post-Mining Land Reclamation

Coal mining and the energy industry generate large amounts of solid waste, which must be disposed of in landfills and lead to numerous environmental problems. This paper presents a method for creating artificial soil mixtures based on an EU-funded international research project called RECOVERY. The main idea behind the proposed solution is the safe use of coal combustion by-products (energetic slag and decarbonation lime), mining waste (aggregate and sealing material) and spent mushroom compost as components for creating artificial soils. Laboratory tests of the soil substitutes showed low concentrations of heavy metals and high macronutrient content, adequate for proper plant growth. As a result of a two-year study on the application of soil cover on a 4000 m2 testing ground, species characteristics for the mesotrophic, dry meadow, ruderal and segregated vegetation were found. In the second year of the in situ study, an apparent reduction in soil salinity was observed. The principal component analysis confirmed that decreasing soil salinity positively affected ruderal and dry meadow species. In contrast, high salinity levels showed no adverse effect on mesotrophic meadow vegetation. The results demonstrated that applying soil covers elaborated from industrial by-products is valuable for recovering high-acidity coal mine waste heaps.

Development and evaluation of coal mine waste materials for gainful utilization

Coal mine overburden and thick inseam parting materials found in the lower Gondwana basin are treated as mine wastes. Unused fly ash from coal-fired plants is another waste material. This investigation focused on using these wastes to develop better composite materials. Composite materials of varying compositions with coal mine wastes from 50 to 90% and fly ash from 10 to 50% with 2–6% cement additives were developed and evaluated. Their physical, chemical and geotechnical properties were determined. Ordinary Portland cement strongly influenced the geotechnical parameters. The fly ash content was optimized for unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio for both mine wastes. Composite materials with 70% overburden, 30% fly ash and 6% cement showed a UCS of 4.01 MPa at 56 days. Composites with 80% inseam parting, 20% fly ash and 6% cement produced 4.90 MPa UCS at 56 days. Linear correlations were observed between fly ash percentage in the two composites and their UCS values. Pearson’s and Spearman’s coefficients produced a high correlation of −0.9 for the composite prepared with parting material. Microstructural analysis showed calcium silicate hydrate gel formation occurring at 28 days. The composites meet the strength criterion for the base and subbase of coal mine haul roads.

Mobility of the Major and Trace Elements in the Coal Mining Wastes

Mobility of the Major and Trace Elements in the Coal Mining Wastes

Monitoring the dynamics of acid mine drainage affected stream surface water hydrochemistry at Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India.

Streams are pristine natural life-thriving water sources for people living in the mountainous proximity of NE India, where water scarcity is a common occurrence in most villages and towns. In the last few decades, factors like coal mining had drastically reduced the usability of stream water in the region; as such, an attempt has been made to assess the spatiotemporal variation of stream water chemistry affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) at Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The water variables were subjected to a multivariate statistical technique of principal component analysis (PCA) to understand their condition at each sampling point while comprehensive pollution index (CPI) and water quality index (WQI) was incorporated to assess the quality status. Maximum WQI was recorded in S4 (541.14) during summer, while minimum value was estimated in winter at S1 (14.65). Throughout the seasons, the WQI revealed "Good" quality in S1 (unimpacted stream), while the impacted streams (S2, S3, and S4) exhibited a "Very poor" to "Water unsuitable for drinking" status. Similarly, in S1, the CPI showed a ranged value of 0.20 to 0.37, presenting a water quality status of "Clean to Sub-Clean," whereas, CPI of the impacted streams indicated "Severely polluted" status. In addition, PCA bi-plot presented higher affinity of free CO2, Pb, SO42-, EC, Fe, and Zn in AMD-impacted streams than in unimpacted streams. The result demonstrates the environmental issues induced by coal mine waste and in particular, stream water being severely affected by AMD in mining areas of Jaintia Hills. Thus, measures to stabilized the mine repercussions and cumulative effects on the water bodies need to be formulated by the government, as stream water will remain the primary water source for the tribal communities in this region.

Strong Structure Formation of Ceramic Composites Based on Coal Mining Overburden Rocks

Currently, the amount of man-made waste worldwide is steadily increasing. It is, therefore, necessary to constantly look for effective ways of utilization and recycling. It is also necessary to reduce the use of non-renewable resources and reduce the impact on the environment. The use of coal industry waste is currently quite insignificant, amounting to some 10% of the total volume. The work aimed to study the properties of raw materials and study the processes of structure formation during the forming, drying, and firing of composite ceramic produced using overburden rock and additives. The work’s relevance lies in the need to solve environmental, economic, and technological problems related to the utilization of coal mining waste. Experiments of the past prove the possibility of using the waste coal industry as additives in the production of building materials. The article presents the results of studies of the chemical, mineralogical, and granulometric composition of overburden rock in coal mining. Peculiarities of structure formation during the forming, drying, and firing of ceramic composites based on optimal fractional compositions from coal-mine overburden were revealed. Organic and chemical additives were used for the correction of technological properties and improvement of the quality of finished composite products. The physical and mechanical indices of the obtained composite ceramic samples were determined, the analysis of which revealed that the use of highly mineralized carbonaceous rocks as solid additives provided a 2–2.5-fold increase in the strength of the product, 5.6% reduction in water absorption, and an increase in the product frost resistance by 20–25 cycles. The aluminum oxychloride influence on the physical and mechanical indices of the obtained composite articles was reflected in a reduction in their water absorption from 8.2 to 7.0%, a 10–12% increase in strength in compression, and an increase in freeze–thaw resistance by 30–35 cycles. Research results proved that the composition and properties of coal-mine overburden rock are close to those of conventional clays. With special technological preparation, they can be used for the production of composite ceramic products. This will significantly reduce the cost of bricks, to make up for the shortage of high-grade clay raw materials and improve the environmental situation. Nevertheless, further research into the use of coal-mine overburdens in the composite ceramic material technology is warranted.

Mechanical properties and durability of concrete containing coal mine waste rock, F-class fly ash, and nano-silica for sustainable development

Natural resources such as river sand and rock used for producing concrete tend to be depleted. Thus, it is necessary to find a new material for substituting the natural aggregate in concrete production. Waste materials such as coal mine waste rock, if these wastes are not treated properly, they negatively affect the environment and human health. Therefore, utilizing waste rock from coal mining to partially substitute aggregate in concrete manufacturing for sustainable development is urgent. In this study, crushed sand from coal mine waste rock (CSM) has partially replaced river sand and combined with F-class fly ash (FFA) and nano-silica (NS) to produce concrete with a minimum compressive strength of 35 MPa. Specifically, 40% of cement was replaced by 38% of FFA and 2% of NS, and river sand (RS) was replaced by CSM at contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Mechanical properties, durability, and environmental impact were conducted to evaluate the application of CSM in concrete for sustainable development. The results showed that the synergistic effects of fly ash and nano-silica in concrete helped CSM more environmentally friendly. The mechanical properties and durability of concrete using CSM were close to those of normal concrete using conventional aggregates with the required compressive strength of 35 MPa. The use of mine waste in concrete production has shown its effectiveness in replacing traditional aggregates (river sand), which can minimize environmental impact for sustainable development.

Ecological restoration of coal mine waste dumps: A case study in Ximing Mine, China

ABSTRACT This study focuses on addressing the issues of spontaneous combustion and slope instability at the coal mine waste (CMW) dump located on the north side of the Yumen River in Ximing Mine, China. We conducted slope restoration and environmental treatment of the CMW dump using shotcrete, deep hole grouting, external soil spray seeding technology with multiple soil fixation measures. The stability of the repaired CMW dump was analysed using LiZheng Slope Stability Analysis Software, and the displacement and stress of high-risk zones were assessed using MIDAS GTS NX Software. Our findings provide valuable insights for slope restoration and evaluation.

Study of Structural Transformation and Chemical Reactivity of Kaolinite-Based High Ash Slime during Calcination

The transformation of kaolinite into metakaolinite by thermal activation to obtain highly active aluminosilicate is commonly known. In addition to kaolin, the high content of kaolinite in coal mining waste is another potential source for obtaining an aluminosilicate precursor, thereby protecting the environment and adding value to industrial wastes. In this paper, the kaolinite-based high ash slime (KAS) was calcined at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 1000 °C under air, N2, and CO2 atmospheres, respectively. The thermal behaviors and structural evolution of each component in KAS were analyzed by thermal analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the chemical reactivity of Al2O3 and SiO2 in calcined KAS was evaluated by HCl and NaOH leaching methods. The results show that the applied KAS in this study primarily consisted of kaolinite and carbon, while the minor mineral phases included quartz, calcite, and pyrite. Additionally, the structural transformation of kaolinite during calcination included dehydroxylation, sintering, and the formation of mullite. Crystalline kaolinite completely decomposed into semicrystalline metakaolinite at 600–800 °C, accounting for the increase in chemical reactivity. The interlayer sintering of metakaolinite and the recrystallization of amorphous components led to the decrease in chemical reactivity after 800 °C. Furthermore, the thermal behaviors of carbon in KAS are greatly affected by the calcination atmosphere. The presence of carbon reduced the chemical reactivity of calcined KAS.

Permanent Deformation and Its Unified Model of Coal Gangue Subgrade Filler under Traffic Cyclic Loading

Using coal gangue as subgrade filler can not only solve the environmental problems of coal mine waste accumulation but also decrease the subgrade cost, which has important theoretical and practical significance. A series of cyclic triaxial tests was carried out using the large-scale dynamic and static triaxial apparatus (LSDSTA) to investigate the permanent deformation (ε) of coal gangue subgrade filler (CGSF) under cyclic loading. Experimental grading was designed by using the fractal model grading equation (FMGE), and then well-grading limits of CGSF were captured. The relationship curve between ε and the numbers of cyclic loading (N) can be divided into three stages, i.e., the rapid growth phase, the deceleration growth phase, and the approaching stability phase. N = 1000 can be used as the criterion for reaching the stable stage of CGSF. The effect of confining pressure (σ3′) on ε is related to the level of σ3′. The effect of σ3′ on ε is significant when σ3′ is smaller, whereas the influence of σ3′ on ε is smaller when σ3′ is larger. Furthermore, the influence of grading (Df) on ε of coal gangue samples is significant. With the increase of Df, ε first increases and then decreases, reflecting that there is an obvious optimal grading for coal gangue samples under cyclic loading. Moreover, the effect of compaction degree (Dc) on ε of CGSF depends on the level of Dc. ε is hardly affected when Dc is smaller, whereas increasing Dc has a significant effect on restraining ε when Dc is bigger. In addition, according to the analysis of the permanent deformation curve for CGSF, the unified calculation model of permanent deformation for CGSF under cyclic loading is established. Compared with the existing permanent deformation models, the proposed model in this paper can better describe the permanent deformation of CGSF under cyclic loading. Finally, the model parameters are analyzed, and the model is verified.

Предварительная минералогическая оценка отходов углеобогатительной фабрики «Кузнецкая»

A preliminary assessment by the optical-mineralogical analysis can often be sufficient to solve production tasks, to study the raw composition, and to choose a processing method at the initial stages of technological researches. Such an assessment will also help to determine the vector of further studies. The material for the primary mineralogical assessment was a waste sample from the Kuznetskaya Central Processing Plant. We used the method of optical-mineralogical analysis during the mineralogical study. Factory wastes are related to the technogenic mineral raw of the first group. We have shown that it is necessary to involve coal mining wastes in the comprehensive recycling with the obligatory mineralogical and technological assessment to determine methods of preparing raw for processing and technology of its enrichment. Our conclusion is that gravity processing methods can be used for the primary concentration of coal from tailings.

Thermally treated coal mining waste as a supplementary cementitious material – Case study from Bogdanka mine, Poland

The presented study deals with the comprehensive analysis of coal gangue from the Bogdanka mine (Lubelski Węgiel „Bogdanka" S.A.) in terms of its properties in both raw and activated states, and with the evaluation of the functional parameters of blended cement pastes containing 10 wt%, 15 wt%, and 20 wt% of thermally treated mining waste. The assessment of the raw material included chemical, physical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization, thermogravimetry, and pozzolanic activity tests. The motivation for the research was the intention to utilize a significant amount of waste from the Bogdanka mine with low additional energy consumption for processing. For this purpose, the temperature of 600 °C was chosen for its thermal activation based on the simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) measurement. The activated coal gangue was tested in the same way as the raw materials and then applied in the blended cement pastes as a partial cement substitute. The cement pastes were evaluated in the fresh state (flow table test), and also at the age of 7, 28, and 90 days. The structural, microstructural, mechanical, and hygric parameters were investigated and compared with the plain cement paste. Furthermore, the development and rate of the pozzolanic reaction were studied using simultaneous thermal analysis with mass spectrometry (STA-MS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), isothermal calorimetry, and assessment of strength activity index (SAI). The performed analyses gave evidence of the pozzolanic activity of thermally activated coal mining waste (ACMW) from the Bogdanka mine and its effectiveness in cement blends. The slightly dropped hydration degree was later compensated by prolonged curing time and progress in the pozzolanic reaction. The blending of Portland cement with the examined ACMW did not negatively affect the rheology and setting time of fresh blended pastes. Considering the hardened cement blends' structural, microstructural, and mechanical parameters, ACMW can be safely used as a part of a PC-based blended binder for up to 20% replacement of cement mass.

Coal mine waste characterization and defluoridation property

Fluoride contamination has been addressed as a major problem worldwide, along with the scarcity of water. This attracts researchers to do more research in the field of fluoride contamination and mitigation of high fluoride content in water. There are various studies, that used a variety of adsorbents for the removal of fluoride from contaminated water. But none of them utilized the vast number of waste, that is generated from the coal mining industries. In this paper, Shale, which is a common coal mine waste, has been used as an adsorbent for fluoride removal from aqueous solution. Along with the defluoridation property of shale, the effect of weathering on the adsorption property of shale was also analyzed using different characterization tests, such as XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy). Two types of shale samples were collected, crushed, and used in the adsorption process in the lab using synthetic fluoride solution. The maximum efficiency of type I (weathered) shale was obtained as 47.05% compared to type II (fresh) shale as 40.02% for 3 ppm initial fluoride solution for 60 min of contact time in pH range 5–7 using batch adsorption process. Other parameters such as shale particle size, pH, and total suspended solid present before and after the adsorption process were also taken into consideration. The adsorption followed pseudo-second kinetics and Freundlich isotherm with an adsorption capacity of 23.66 mg/g, and 21.33 mg/g for weathered and fresh shale respectively. The characterization test showed more clayey content in the weathered shale compared to fresh shale, making it more porous and suitable as a fluoride adsorbent. XRD showed the F− containing minerals such as Villiaumite (5.1%) and Fluorite (4.3%) in F− loaded weathered shale, confirming the F− adsorption onto the shale surface. The major advantage of shale over other existing adsorbents is, it removes the fluoride without significant change in pH, and there are no or very less suspended ions that can be found in treated water. This means the water may not need any secondary treatment after the adsorption process. Shale is a very common and readily available mine waste, that is used for the ceramic industry, building materials, and road construction, making it a no-cost material to be used as an adsorbent for fluoride removal.

Applied Methodological Approach for the Assessment of Soil Contamination by Trace Elements around Abandoned Coal Mines—A Case Study of the Jerada Coal Mine, Morocco

Previously conducted studies have established that soil contamination by trace elements (TEs) around coal mines affects ecological biodiversity and human health. One of the ways to protect the health of the surrounding population of coal mine sites is through the assessment of contamination impacts by accurate procedures for the establishment of relevant reclamation plan. The aim of the study is to develop an applied methodological approach to easily assess and quantify the impact of coal mining on the surrounding soils. To achieve this goal, a set of relevant geochemical indexes (enrichment factor—EF, geochemical background—GB, and geoaccumulation index—Igeo) and a geostatistical interpolation for mapping soil contamination were applied. It is experimentally established that the process of combining these techniques can be of great interest in highlighting the anomalous areas and revealing the contamination sources. A case study has been carried out on of the abandoned coal Jerada mine site in Morocco. Soils and coal mine waste rocks (CMWR) samples were collected from this site. Soil and CMWR samples were analyzed for their geochemical content. CMWRs were characterized further for their mineralogical composition and environmental behavior. Based on the EF, three TEs (As, Pb, and Zn) were targeted. The results of GB and Igeo calculations have established an evident relationship between the CMWR dump and the occurred soil contamination. TEs distribution pattern has been revealed using the obtained geochemical maps. The developed methodological approach may be in high demand when assessing soil contamination in most of abandoned coal mine sites around the word.

COAL MINING WASTE AS A RESOURCE FOR RECOVERY OF RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS AND FOR GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Coal production and export are important to the Australian economy. The economic benefits of coal production in Australia, however, come with some sustainability challenges, a major one being the generation of large volumes of waste and the associated environmental issues. Sampling and characterization of some Australian coals and waste have shown promising elevated concentrations of rare-earth elements (REE) with the potential for economic extraction. This represents a significant opportunity to derive additional value from coal production and utilization. CSIRO has developed a multilayered framework from which optimal mine waste utilization pathways may be determined, based on the characteristics of tailings and other wastes. It involves tailings and waste characterization, reprocessing and repurposing, and reuse of the remaining waste resulting in a step-change in the sustainability of coal production. In this paper, we discuss two approaches to capture value from coal mining waste while reducing the safety and environmental risks associated with tailings and waste storage facilities. One aspect of the study involves sampling from selected coal basins and determining REE content in coal-based resources. Identified samples with elevated REE are being used to develop innovative REE beneficiation and extraction technologies in an environmentally acceptable manner. The second aspect of the study involved the use of the washery waste in producing geopolymer concrete products for construction purposes. This part of the study examined the use of coal mine tailings as source material in alkali-activated binder to produce geopolymer concrete. It also studied the suitability of coarse and fine rejects from coal preparation, as substitutes for aggregates and sand, respectively, in geopolymer concrete production. The work involved the formulation and testing of geopolymer mixes for their setting behavior, workability, and strength development. It was determined that coal mine tailings are a suitable precursor material for geopolymer binder formulations in terms of workability and strength development. The optimized 7-day compressive strengths of the geopolymer binder and concrete produced by alkali activation of coal mine tailings were comparable to N32 ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

Environmental Risks Due to Heavy Metal Pollution of Water Resulted from Coal Mining Wastes in Korba Chhattisgarh, India

Environmental Risks Due to Heavy Metal Pollution of Water Resulted from Coal Mining Wastes in Korba Chhattisgarh, India

Creating classifications of ways to use coal mining waste

Creating classifications of ways to use coal mining waste

SUBSTANTIATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF CHOOSING A SUSPENSION BASED ON THE SODIUM GROUP IN THE TREATMENT OF COAL MINING WASTE DUMPS

Purpose. To study the effectiveness of sodium group based suspensions: sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrocarbonate and sodium carbonate for neutralisation of spontaneous combustion processes of waste rock during the operation and formation of coal mining waste. To establish the dependence of the influence of suspensions on the chemical elements of the waste stockpile, taking into account external environmental factors. Methods. For solving the set tasks, methods of comparative analysis of theoretical and laboratory studies of the impact of suspensions on the processes of the mechanism of redox reactions of spontaneous combustion of waste heaps obtained in the process of processing minerals of coal mines were used. The application of rational method of processing the results of the experimental study of the interaction of waste mass with sodium solutions using the correlation analysis of Student’s t-criterion is described. Results. The spontaneous ignition mechanisms of the stockpile have been investigated, based on the interaction of the active chemical elements in the stockpile: pyrite, sulphur and iron oxide with the environment. The selection and optimization of the parameters of a sodium group based slurry when treating the stockpile will solve the problem of spontaneous combustion in the treatment of the stockpile by crystallizing the active chemical elements and filling in its porous structure. Scientific novelty. The dependence of the influence of the environment on the processes of thermal oxidation of waste rock mass is established. The expediency of application of methods and techniques for elimination of self-ignition foci, as the main factors of environmental pollution, is substantiated. A new expedient method and method has been proposed, which will allow estimating not only the economic effect but also the ecological one, which will contribute to improving the ecological and economic situation of the mining regions where mining wastes are located. Practical implication. It consists in the development of recommendations for methods and techniques to eliminate spontaneous combustion of mining wastes. The methodology for determining the required quantitative and qualitative composition of inert substances (suspensions) containing sodium group to eliminate sulphurous zones of exogenous combustion processes of waste mass is proposed. Recommendations on the use of these means and methods have been developed.

Geochemistry of Soils from the Surrounding Area of a Coal Mine Waste Pile Affected by Self-Burning (Northern Portugal)

Coal mining can generate organic and inorganic contaminants that can be disseminated in the surrounding soils by leaching and/or aerial deposition. This study aims to identify and characterize the physicochemical and geochemical changes promoted in soils from the surrounding area of a self-burning waste pile in an abandoned coal mine. A soil sampling campaign was conducted bordering the waste pile, comprising the main drainage areas as well as the areas uphill. The soils were characterized geochemically for major and trace elements and multivariate statistics was used in combination with geostatistical methodologies to study the statistical and spatial relations of the different elements and infer their Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) sources. The 16 priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and quantified in soils according to their spatial distribution, and their pyrogenic/petrogenic sources were inferred. Different sources were identified as contributing to the soil geochemical signature, considering not only the mine but also anthropogenic urban contamination or naturally enhanced regional geochemical background in multiple PTEs. PAHs tend to concentrate downstream of the waste pile, along the runoff areas, presenting a greater variety of the 16 priority PAHs and an increase of High Molecular Weight (HMW) PAHs pointing to its pyrogenic origin, possibly related to the self-combustion phenomenon occurring in the waste pile.

Waste valorization of coal mining waste from a circular economy perspective: A Brazilian case study based on environmental and physicochemical features

Mineral coal reserves are distributed across all continents in more than 70 countries. The extraction and industrial processing of these reserves generate large amounts of tailings. These tailings are composed of three residual fractions: pyritic, clayey, and carbonaceous. In Brazil, approximately 49% of these generated materials is disposed of in controlled industrial landfills. In China, nearly 15% of the total run of mine (ROM) is discarded as waste. In this context, the present study analyzes the valorization potential of such wastes based on the technical–scientific information from recent literature and characterization of the waste generated in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. This new methodology was performed from a circular economy perspective using the systematic Classification–Potentiality–Quantity and feasibility–Application (CPQvA) criterion for identifying potential applications of these materials. Based on the evaluation criteria, the waste was classified as environmentally nonhazardous and noninert (class II-A). The waste was primarily composed of silica, alumina, and iron oxide (52.43%, 21.35%, and 6.40%, respectively). This chemical characterization and the mineralogical characterization of the predominant phases—quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite—were similar to those of the raw materials used for manufacturing construction materials. The potential analysis of different fractions, based on circular economy principles, inferred that most residual fractions (approximately 60% of the total discarded material) had mineral characteristics and geographical availability. Therefore, coal tailings have great application potential in the construction sector. The separation of the generated waste into different fractions according to their origins and production characteristics will become one of the innovations in the search for cleaner production and a more circular economy.