Geotechnical and Geochemical Characterization of Coal Mine Waste for Restoring Environment

Abstract

Mining is an essential activity required to be carried out for obtaining the raw materials for infrastructures, goods, carriers and energy. However extreme exploitation of mineral resources leave a negative impact on the environment affect air, water and soil leading to the destruction of ecosystem. Large quantities of waste are generated in the process of mining comprising of solid, liquid and gaseous substances. The solid waste generated due to mining activities are significant because of their sheer volume. The Geotechnical characterization of the waste such as particle size, plasticity, bulk density, dry density, durability, and shear strength are carried out to determine stability of the waste dumps for backfilling. Geochemical parameters of the waste are examined to understand the elemental distribution and leachability of the potentially harmful heavy metals and toxic elements. Water quality analysis of the 2 different coal mine samples have been studied to know their potential environmental impact. The Overburden material and water analysis results indicate that there is the possibility of potential environmental impact that could be due to acid mine drainage and associated weathering and leaching of heavy metals and other elements.