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Characterization of coal-mine refuse as backfilling material

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Summary

With increased production and more stringent regulations for air, water and ground pollution control, the safe and environmentally acceptable disposal of coal-mine refuse is becoming ever more demanding. Backfilling may provide an environmentally acceptable method for the disposal of waste materials. Increased resource recovery, enhanced ventilation control, and minimizing surface subsidence, underground coal-mine fires and spontaneous combustion of coal are potential advantages of backfilling. In this paper the physical and mechanical properties of coal-mine waste from different sites are described and the effects of these properties on the duty requirements of fill material are assessed. As a result of testing, it is concluded that if improving ground control is the only reason for backfilling, coal refuse alone does not appear to be a suitable stowing material. If coal-refuse disposal is also a consideration, then it may be more attractive as a stowing material.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, 24061, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    M. G. Karfakis & E. Topuz

  2. 1310 Small Court, 82716, Gillette, WY, USA

    C. H. Bowman

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  1. M. G. Karfakis
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  2. C. H. Bowman
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  3. E. Topuz
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Karfakis, M.G., Bowman, C.H. & Topuz, E. Characterization of coal-mine refuse as backfilling material. Geotech Geol Eng 14, 129–150 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00430273

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