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Example of Moroccan phosphate deposits series and photos of natural stone productswhich could be obtained from the overburden Photos of samples from Bengurir mine: a: silicified marls, b:nougat silex, c: limestone.
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Sedimentary phosphate mines produce millions of tons of waste rocks during their open-pit mining. In addition, during ore phosphate beneficiation, fluorapatite is separated from associated gangue minerals by a combination of successive mineral processing steps that involve crushing / screening, washing, and flotation. These operations generate larg...
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... Morocco is known as the world's biggest producer of phosphate, with 32.8 million tons produced in 2017 [32]. Water, air, plants, and soils can become contaminated due to the phosphate industry's emissions, which are high in trace metals including cadmium, zinc, and chromium [33]. Furthermore, previous studies have pointed out that mineral phosphate fertilizer is a significant source of Cd in agricultural soils [34]. ...
Among heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is shown to have adverse consequences for plants. Due to its harmful nature and ability to move through the soil-plant system, it is a very worrying element for soil experts and plant physiologists. In this work, we designed a pot experiment to study the influence of three soil concentrations of cadmium (0, 15, and 30 mg/kg) to explore its physiological impacts, and its portioning in the whole plant of three hulless barley varieties. Our findings demonstrated marked Cd accumulation in roots, leaves, and stems under severe Cd stress (30 mg/Kg). Cd stress was also shown to reduce the photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and transpiration rates (E). The application of Cd in the medium increased the enzymes of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as in-creases of levels of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), and hy-drogen peroxide (H2O2) and proline were recorded. These results reflect the negative effects of cadmium on morpho-physiological traits in barley genotypes. However, the principal component analysis indicated a significant correlation between oxidative stress indicators and enzymatic activities, along with different levels of Cd tolerance between Tombari, Assiya, and Giza 130 genotypes. When exposed to Cd, these varieties shifted a significant amount of energy from growth to produce antioxidant compounds and osmolytes. Despite this, these defenses did not effectively shield the plant from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by Cd accumulation at vegetative stages. Consequently, we highly recommend testing these varieties under Cd-contaminated soil to investigate the rate of cadmium accumulation in the seeds, the harvested part used in human nutrition.
Keywords: Hulless barley; cadmium; oxidative stress; enzymatic activities; hydrogen peroxide.
... Mining waste disposal in its original form destroys fertile soil, forest areas, and surface and groundwater flows [8,9]. Finely dispersed particles from mine tailings and wind-borne fly ash [10] are deposited on crops and households, threatening resources such as soil, water, air, and food production by accumulating toxic substances. ...
This paper examines sustainable industrial practices in Serbia, particularly in the mining and energy sector, focusing on the potential of flotation tailings and fly ash, as materials with the largest share in disposed waste in Serbia in 2023 (95%). It highlights the environmental challenges of mining waste and explores innovative approaches to waste management within the circular economy framework. The study analyzes the current state of mining waste in Serbia, particularly in copper mining regions in the east of the country. It discusses the potential for metal recovery from waste and its reuse in various industries. The research also investigates the use of fly ash from thermal power plants as a valuable resource in the construction industry and other sectors. The paper reviews existing initiatives and legislation in Serbia in order to promote sustainable mining practices and waste utilization. By presenting case studies and potential applications, the study demonstrates how implementing circular economy principles in the mining sector can contribute to environmental protection, resource conservation, and economic growth in Serbia. The comprehensive overview of the current state in Serbia provides a solid foundation for establishing a higher degree of circularity in the mining and energy sectors.
... There are many beneficiation procedures for extracting phosphate ores, depending on the kind of ore and accompanying gangue minerals. We learned about attrition scrubbing and classification, size reduction and screening, electrostatic separation, chemical dissolution of carbonates, magnetic separation, and flotation (Gharabaghi et al., 2010;Bakopoulou et al., 2013;Hakkou et al., 2016). Following different extraction and phosphoric acid production operations, mining inevitably results in by-products (phosphate sludges and phosphogypsum). ...
Phosphogypsum (PG), phosphate sludge (PS), and sewage sludge (SS) are regarded by-products produced in huge amounts. However, PG, PS and SS are no longer considered as waste, but as valued resources in accordance with the circular economy's rules. Their management provides a serious environmental problem. In order to assess the impacts of SS, PS, and PG on soil physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, OM, nutrients, and heavy metals) in response to diverse experimental settings, the purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis on previously published results. The VOSviewer program was used to construct bibliometric maps using the VOS mapping and grouping techniques. The findings indicated that there were statistically significant changes (P < 0.05) in electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), and pH in connection to the different by-products employed. The application of SS considerably elevated pH by 46.15% compared to the control. Furthermore, a beneficial effect on P and K was detected, regardless of the by-product used. Moreover, Cd, Pb, and Ni concentrations in SS treatments had a substantial reduction of 30.46%, 30.70%, and 18.07%, respectively. Cd, Pb, and Cu concentrations in PG treatments revealed a substantial decrease of 47.71%, 36.14%, and 46.01%, respectively. Based on the acquired data, PG, PS, and SS need to be regularly monitored and regulated. This study serves as an early investigation for the construction of a new approach to restore damaged land on mine sites by employing phosphate industry by-products and sludge for revegetation objectives.
... Intercalation layers and the cover layer are blasted and removed in the process of extracting phosphate ore. The PMWR are geochemically inert due to the high concentration of calcite and dolomite [5][6][7][8]. ...
Natural aggregates are widely consumed worldwide by the road construction industry. Particularly in the phosphate sector, reducing industrial waste and conserving non-renewable natural resources can be achieved by utilizing unusual industrial wastes and by-products in road construction procedures. Road construction may find use for Phosphate Mine Waste Rocks (PMWR) as an alternate secondary raw material source. However, there are currently limitations on the use and valuation of these materials due to the Moroccan Guide for Road Earthworks (GMTR), which classifies them as waste products and so unsuitable for use in road building. Phosphate waste rocks are naturally existing sedimentary rocks that have mainly been mechanically fragmented, despite their designation. The purpose of this study is to assess PMWR’s essential characteristics for application in road construction. At the Moroccan phosphate mine location of Benguerir, samples have been collected from screening stockpiles. Then, using international testing standards, environmental and health behaviours, chemical, mineralogical, physical, and geotechnical behaviours, these samples were analysed. The materials’ suitability for use in subgrade layer was validated by laboratory and field experiments, hence allowing for their reclassification as conventional materials.
... The beneficiation operations of phosphate ore generate millions tons of wastes which pose severe environmental problems (Hakkou et al. 2016). One of the world's challenges is the management of mining wastes through recycling and turning these wastes into applicable and economic resources (Taha et al. 2021). ...
Globally, Egypt ranked the eighth position in the production of phosphorus with about 5 million tons annually. Phosphate ore is considered one of the commonest sources of rare earth elements (REEs). Mining and industrial processes (beneficiation) of phosphate ore produce huge amounts of wastes in different sizes. The present study aims to evaluate the potentiality of the phosphate ore wastes as a source of rare earth elements (REEs). The study targeted some phosphate production sites in Egypt, including: Abu Tartur, West and East El-Sebaiya phosphate mines, in addition to the fertilizers factory in Assiut. The collected waste samples, during 2023, were analyzed in terms of mineralogical composition using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and chemical composition using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence). The results of chemical analysis recorded the highest concentrations of Y, Ce, La, Nd, Sc, Sm, U, and Th in Abu Tartur waste samples, while the lowest concentrations were recorded in the fertilizers factory waste samples. These wastes contain higher concentrations of REEs than the Algerian and USA wastes. Furthermore, an enrichment of the mostly environmental hazardous elements As, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Se are detected in Abu Tartur and West and East El-Sebaiya. Thus, the wastes from the industry and mining processing of phosphate represented a vital economic source for the production of REEs. The use of wastes for production of trace and rare earth elements represents an economic and environmental add value for phosphate industry.
... The exploration into this dual objective: (i) mitigating negative environmental effects while creating value from what is traditionally considered waste and (ii) promising a sustainable future for phosphate mining operations globally. Hakkou et al. (2016) emphasize that the valorization of PWR not only helps mitigate environmental concerns associated with mining activities but also contributes to the efficient utilization of resources. ...
Phosphate mines produce large quantities of waste rock. These waste rocks are mixed and managed on the surface as large unrestored piles, which makes them difficult to rehabilitate. They primarily comprise carbonates, clays, marls, and cherts (flints). In many cases, the unrestored mine sites, when exposed to normal climatic conditions, could frequently produce toxic environmental pollution, and significant ecological disruptions. This research aims to assess the phosphate waste rock's (PWR) geochemistry and environmental behavior upstream of the extraction process. For this purpose, different core drilling specimens and data were collected from different lithologies and depths in the interlayers of the Benguerir mine to forecast the environmental profile and determine the mobility of the analyzed chemical species. These samples were analyzed for their petrographical, chemical, and mineralogical compositions, static leaching tests, and semi-dynamic test. The mineralogy results showed that the PWR mainly consists of calcite, dolomite, apatite, and quartz, with minor phases such as clay minerals. Chemically, the PWRs are dominated by the following major oxides: CaO and MgO, followed by SiO2 and P2O5. Trace elements can be classified into three groups based on their concentrations: group of Sr, Zn and Cr (> 150 ppm), group of Ba, V, Ni, Zr, Y, U, Cu, Cd, Co (10–150 ppm), and group of trace elements with relatively low concentrations (< 10 ppm): Rb, Pb, As, Mo, Se, Sc, Ga, Nb, Th, Hf, Sb and Cs. Environmentally, the pH of the leachates was neutral to alkaline (6 ± 0.6–9.3) for all the samples, which have a high neutralizing potential (38–991 kg CaCO3/t). The release of major and trace elements in the leaching test remains below international standard limits. Consequently, the leaching test results confirm the non-hazardous nature of the PWR. Therefore, the studied PWR could be considered a natural raw material and can be used in various applications in different sectors, such as civil engineering, cement industry, phosphate recovery, and acid mine drainage treatment through neutralization.
... However, it often results in the degradation of natural ecosystems. Phosphate-mining activities are also known to generate vast quantities of waste rocks [1,2], causing long-term environmental consequences. In addition, these activities often create visual disturbances for locals living around them [3]. ...
... In addition, these activities often create visual disturbances for locals living around them [3]. In the process of extraction, the removal of overburden and intercalation layers is conducted to access the phosphate ore, and these materials are subsequently deposited in piles [2]. These spoil piles are then reused for reinstating the excavated site, where they are leveled to establish continuous horizontal surfaces, shaping the post-mining terrain. ...
Revegetation emerges as a promising approach to alleviate the adverse impacts of mining residues. However, it is essential to evaluate the characteristics of these materials and select suitable plant species to ensure successful ecosystem restoration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phosphate-mine residues (MR) on the growth, biochemical properties, and essential oil concentration of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia Officinalis L., Lavandula dentata L., and Origanum majorana L. The results showed that R. officinalis L. appeared to be particularly well-suited to thriving in MR soil. Our finding also revealed that L. dentata L., O. majorana L., and S. officinalis L. grown in MR exhibited significantly lower growth performance (lower shoot length, smaller leaves, and altered root structure) and higher antioxidant activities, with an alterations of photosynthetic pigment composition. They showed a decrease in total chlorophylls when grown on MR (0.295, 0.453, and 0.562 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively) compared to the control (0.465, 0.807, and 0.808 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively); however, they produced higher essential oil content (1.8%, 3.06%, and 2.88%, respectively). The outcomes of this study could offer valuable insights for the advancement of revegetation technologies and the utilization of plant products derived from phosphate-mine residues.
... These applications are wideranging and cover many different fields, like ore [19][20][21] and water [22][23][24] recovery, use of alkaline phosphate wastes for the control of acidic mine drainage [25,26], as lightweight aggregates [27,28], in the concrete sector [28,29], in fired [30] and compressed [31][32][33] bricks manufacturing, in the area of geopolymerization [34][35][36], and finally in civil engineering construction [37,38], especially for embankments [39,40] and roads construction [41][42][43]. In fact, because of their high carbonate content, phosphate waste rock (PWR) is geochemically inert and does not pose a risk of producing acidic mine drainage [18,44]. ...
Phosphate mining generates substantial quantities of waste rock during the extraction of sedimentary ores, leading to significant environmental concerns as these wastes accumulate around mining sites. The industry is under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, necessitating considerable financial investments in remediation and technological advancements. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic strategy that balances social responsibility, environmental preservation, and economic viability. This study proposes an innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method to manufacture compressed stabilized earth bricks by combining the valorization of phosphate waste rock (PWR) and phosphate washing sludge (PWS). These bricks offer numerous advantages, including low embodied energy, robust mechanical performance, and excellent insulation and thermal properties. Initially, a Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test and radiometric surface contamination measurement, carried out on raw materials (PWR and PWS), showed that the results were below the permissible limits. Then, the chemical, mineralogical, and geotechnical properties of the raw materials were characterized. Subsequently, various mixtures were formulated in the laboratory using PWR and PWS, with and without cement as a stabilizer. Optimal formulations were identified and scaled up for pilot production of solid bricks with dimensions of 250 × 125 × 75 mm³. The resulting bricks exhibited thermal conductivity and water absorption coefficients that satisfied standard requirements. This method not only addresses the environmental issues associated with phosphate mining waste but also provides a sustainable solution for building materials production.
... Sedimentary phosphate mines produce millions of tons of sludge during open-pit mining [11]. In addition, during the beneficiation of phosphate ore, a large volume of phosphate-washing sludge is continuously generated and deposited in large ponds [11]. ...
... Sedimentary phosphate mines produce millions of tons of sludge during open-pit mining [11]. In addition, during the beneficiation of phosphate ore, a large volume of phosphate-washing sludge is continuously generated and deposited in large ponds [11]. Various researchers have investigated the potential reuse of sludge over the past decade [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. ...
Managing the vast quantities of waste constantly generated by mining activities is one of the major environmental and economic problems facing mankind today. Fluorapatite is separated from the associated gangue minerals by a series of crushing and screening, washing, and flotation processes. These processes produce a significant amount of phosphate sludge, which is stored on the mine site in drift rock and large surface ponds. One possible environmental option is to reuse it as an alternative raw material in ceramics and building materials. Consequently, two phosphate sludges from two different Moroccan towns, Youssoufia and Khouribga, were studied. Due to the complexity of these raw materials resulting from long geological processes, in-depth physical, chemical, mineralogical, and thermal characterization is required. Dry compressed powder pellets were sintered at 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C for 2 h. The study focuses on the effect of sintering temperature on mineralogical transformations and ceramic properties such as apparent porosity, water absorption, and mechanical strength. At 1100 °C, a slight increase in density was observed for both phosphate sludges. Water absorption was reduced by 2.51 % in both sludges for pellets sintered at 1100 °C compared to those sintered at 900 °C. Mechanical strength improved significantly, with an increase of about 60 % for samples sintered at 1100 °C, recording 227 N for Youssoufia sludge and 247 N for Khouribga sludge. This work has provided new data on the physical, chemical, mineralogical, and thermal changes in ceramics as the sintering temperature increases. These data will be useful for the manufacture of high-value ceramics.
... The over-burden waste and selectivity rock are stacked on the surface in waste rock piles [4], concentrator tailings are stored on the surface in tailings ponds [5] and processing sludges are stored in lined basins (see Figure 1). Therefore, these wastes can present risks to the environment depending on their condition, composition, and storage methods [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. ...
Algeria is a country with a highly varied structural and geological context, which has given rise to a wealth of diversified mineral resources (phosphates, base metals, precious metals, etc.). Mining activities have generated a significant volume of economically valueless mining waste. These waste materials can pose environmental risks depending on their condition, composition, and storage methods. In this study, we studied mine tailings from the Djebel Onk phosphate deposit, while carrying out a complete mineralogical characterization including granulometric, chemical and microscopic analyses, as well as heavy metal, X-ray diffraction, and infrared analyses. We investigated two types of mining waste: overbur-den waste and operating residues (selectivity waste) and proposed specific valorization methods for each type. The operating residues (selectivity waste) have economic potential due to their high P2O5 content. Therefore, we propose a valorization method for this type of waste through various treatment approaches such as calcination, washing, flotation, and gravity separation. For the overburden waste, we are proposing to use it as an additive in cement manufacturing processes since it contains commonly elements found in limestone and clay, as well as in additives used in cement production such blast furnace slag and pozzolana (CaO, MgO, SiO2, etc.). However, these materials do not contain P2O5.
