Waste rock reprocessing to enhance the sustainability of phosphate reserves: A critical review

Amar, Hicham; Benzaazoua, Mostafa; Elghali, Abdellatif; Hakkou, Rachid; Taha, Yassine

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135151

Cited by 19 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 121 publications

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“…5 ⃝ Placement of the metallic formwork and pouring of the concrete to support the next excavated meter. 6 ⃝ Progress of excavation and sampling of the fourth meter in well-3.…”

Section: Results Of the Sampling Using The Mining Well Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recovery of residual phosphate from low-grade sources, including phosphate mine waste rock (PMWR), represents a promising solution to the rising demand for phosphate in the food and fertilizer industries. The beneficiation of low-grade phosphate ore offers numerous benefits, such as reclaiming residual phosphate from previously uneconomical resources, decreasing the amount of mine waste that accumulates in PMWR Stockpiles, promoting cleaner production practices, and maximizing production rates [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Figure 7. Conceptual model for sampling the screening pile by mining wells: 1⃝ Setting up safety marking for the concerned area and marking the well contour;2 ⃝ Starting excavation of the first meter;3 ⃝ Recovering the 1st sample; 4 ⃝ Placing the reinforcement grid; 5 ⃝ Installing the metal formwork;6 ⃝ Pouring concrete; 7 ⃝ Walling the well, recovering the 2nd sample, and placing the 2nd reinforcement grid;8 ⃝ Installing the formwork and pouring concrete, then recovering the 3rd sample and continuing the excavation of the well.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…⃝ Progress of the excavation of well-1 for the collection of sample 2, noting the details of the installation of the reinforcement mesh 5. ⃝ Placement of the metallic formwork and pouring of the concrete to support the next excavated meter 6. ⃝ Progress of excavation and sampling of the fourth meter in well-3.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Design and Implementation of Sampling Wells in Phosphate Mine Waste Rock Piles: Towards an Enhanced Composition Understanding and Sustainable Reclamation

El Ghorfi,

Inabi,

Amar

et al. 2024

Minerals

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Establishing a circular economy in mining begins with a dedicated sampling strategy as its fundamental phase. This specific approach is crucial for enhancing resource retrieval and isolating essential minerals from mining residues. By carefully examining and defining the makeup of waste materials, mining activities can discover overlooked possibilities, promoting sustainability. A thoughtfully planned sampling strategy not only reduces environmental harm but also sets the stage for the effective use of resources. In doing so, the mining industry can shift towards a circular model, adhering to the principles of waste reduction, material reuse, and ultimately promoting a more environmentally conscious and economically viable industry. In the phosphate industry and during the pre-concentration process of phosphate ore through screening, significant amounts of mining waste, consisting of various lithologies including indurated and fine phosphate, coarse-grained silicified phosphate, limestone, and marls, are deposited in waste rock stockpiles. Collecting representative samples from these heterogeneous materials presents challenges in accurately characterizing the entire stockpile. To overcome this issue, circular mining wells were implemented as a novel sampling method in waste rock stockpiles, enabling the collection of intact representative samples. This paper shares a successful experience in constructing three concrete-lined wells within a phosphate mine waste rock stockpile measuring 662 m in length, 240 m in width, and ranging in height from 0 to 65 m. The wells were dug at various depths, ranging from 20 m to 55 m, with a circular section and a diameter of 1.5 m. An integrated method utilizing analytical techniques in conjunction with numerical modeling via Robot Structural Analysis software (version of 2020) was utilized to assess the stress on the well supports and confirm their stability. This methodology serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the stability of similar wells, ensuring the safety of operators. The structural model yielded a stress level of 1 MPa, which aligned with the values obtained from the analytical model. Sensitivity analysis was performed on various parameters (friction angle, Poisson Ratio, and gravity), and the safety factor consistently remained above 1.5 for all scenarios investigated up to a depth of 60 m. Consequently, this study demonstrates that concrete-lined wells can be utilized safely for intact sampling in waste rock stockpiles. This sampling operation will allow the pursuit of optimizing resource utilization and enhancing environmental sustainability, by studying phosphate distribution in the Phosphate Mine Waste Rock (PMWR) for better recovery.

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“…5 ⃝ Placement of the metallic formwork and pouring of the concrete to support the next excavated meter. 6 ⃝ Progress of excavation and sampling of the fourth meter in well-3.…”

Section: Results Of the Sampling Using The Mining Well Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Design and Implementation of Sampling Wells in Phosphate Mine Waste Rock Piles: Towards an Enhanced Composition Understanding and Sustainable Reclamation

El Ghorfi,

Inabi,

Amar

et al. 2024

Minerals

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“…Since ancient times, the mining industry has contributed significantly to the economic development of countries around the world through the extraction and exploitation of mineral resources [1]. The demand for mineral resources is still growing nowadays.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a Circular Economy in the Mining Industry: Possible Solutions for Water Recovery through Advanced Mineral Tailings Dewatering

Hamraoui,

Bergani,

Ettoumi

et al. 2024

Minerals

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The mining industry is confronted with substantial challenges in achieving environmental sustainability, particularly regarding water usage, waste management, and dam safety. The increasing global demand for minerals has led to increased mining activities, resulting in significant environmental consequences. By 2025, an estimated 19 billion tons of solid tailings are projected to accumulate worldwide, exacerbating concerns over their management. Tailings storage facilities represent the largest water sinks within mining operations. The mismanagement of water content in tailings can compromise their stability, leading to potential dam failures and environmental catastrophes. In response to these pressing challenges, the mining industry is increasingly turning to innovative solutions such as tailings dewatering and water reuse/recycling strategies to promote sustainable development. This review paper aims to (I) redefine the role of mine tailings and explore their physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics; (II) discuss environmental concerns associated with conventional disposal methods; (III) explore recent advancements in dewatering techniques, assessing their potential for water recovery, technical and economic constraints, and sustainability considerations; (IV) and present challenges encountered in water treatment and recycling within the mining industry, highlighting areas for future research and potential obstacles in maximizing the value of mine tailings while minimizing their environmental impact.

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Reuse Rate Improvement of Wastewater Through Effective Removal and Recovery of High Concentration Phosphorus in Reverse Osmosis Concentrate and Food Waste Leachates

Kim

Yang

Jung

et al. 2023

Water Air Soil Pollut

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Waste rock reprocessing to enhance the sustainability of phosphate reserves: A critical review

Cited by 19 publications

References 121 publications

Design and Implementation of Sampling Wells in Phosphate Mine Waste Rock Piles: Towards an Enhanced Composition Understanding and Sustainable Reclamation

Design and Implementation of Sampling Wells in Phosphate Mine Waste Rock Piles: Towards an Enhanced Composition Understanding and Sustainable Reclamation

Towards a Circular Economy in the Mining Industry: Possible Solutions for Water Recovery through Advanced Mineral Tailings Dewatering

Reuse Rate Improvement of Wastewater Through Effective Removal and Recovery of High Concentration Phosphorus in Reverse Osmosis Concentrate and Food Waste Leachates

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