Pennsylvania anthracite refuse: a summary of a literature survey on utilization and disposal
The 484 square mile anthracite field in northeastern Pennsylvania is blighted with many unsightly refuse banks. A study has been made on the utilization and disposal potential of these nearly one billion tons of anthracite refuse. Chemical analysis of ashed anthracite refuse revealed small quantities of rare and trace elements. Larger quantities of silica, alumina and other elements were found in refuse that may be extracted. Enormous tonnages of refuse could be used as landfill and backfill not only within the anthracite area but in flat marshy coastal areas in the East--if economical and without interfering with the conservation of wet-lands. Crushing refuse may be necessary for final disposal. The crushed refuse could be washed and would provide a low-grade salable fuel. The reject material from this operation can be used for underground stowing to provide surface stability within the region and possibly fill for some phase of highway construction. Heat treated or expanded anthracite refuse has been used successfully as lightweight aggregate in manufacturing building blocks and bricks. A very good grade of mineral wool has been made from anthracite refuse and ashes. Anthracite refuse ma be used as a soilless media for container-grown crops and for other horticultural uses. Very little work has been done to date in this field. A research program was initiated on vegetating anthracite refuse banks in Pennsylvania. Primarily this was a reforestation project as a screen cover for the unsightly refuse banks.
- Research Organization:
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA). Dept. of Mineral Preparation
- OSTI ID:
- 5294396
- Report Number(s):
- SR-79
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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