Rourkela, Aug. 18 (UDN): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative composite material by recycling coal-mining and industrial waste, opening up the possibility of using waste-derived materials to construct stronger and more durable roads.
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The technology, which has received a patent, aims to tackle two challenges at once—reducing the environmental burden caused by mining and industrial waste while developing construction materials capable of meeting the demands of heavy-traffic roads.
Patent Secured for Waste-Based Technology
The patented technology was developed by Prof K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Professor and Director of NIT Rourkela, Prof Manoj Kumar Mishra, and PhD graduate Dr Subhasrita Chodhury from the institute’s Department of Mining Engineering.
The innovation has been granted Patent No. 597749, under Application No. 202331070306.
The researchers focused on coal mine parting materials, a waste stream generated during coal mining that contains rocks and other non-coal components. Instead of treating the material solely as waste, the team investigated its potential as a construction resource.
Converting Mining Waste Into a Construction Resource
According to NIT Rourkela, India produces around one billion tonnes of raw coal annually, with surface mining accounting for a major share of production. Such operations generate significant quantities of waste, creating challenges related to storage, disposal and environmental management.
The researchers explored the use of silica- and alumina-rich clay minerals found in coal mine partings for construction applications.
The developed composite combines coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder. Researchers tested different formulations to determine an optimum mix offering improved strength and stiffness.
Potential for Heavy-Traffic Roads
The material could have particular applications in coal-mining regions, where roads frequently experience heavy loads and repeated movement of vehicles transporting coal and other mining materials.
Prof K. Umamaheshwar Rao said the technology could provide a locally available alternative for infrastructure development in areas where conventional roads face significant loading conditions.
Prof Manoj Kumar Mishra described the innovation as a circular-economy approach, in which waste generated by mining and industrial activities is converted into a resource with potential engineering and economic value.
Field Trials Planned
Beyond reducing the volume of waste requiring disposal, the technology could support the development of more sustainable road-construction practices by making productive use of locally available industrial by-products.
The research team is now preparing for pilot-scale field trials to evaluate the material’s performance, long-term strength and durability under actual traffic and environmental conditions.
If the field assessments confirm its laboratory performance, the technology could offer a promising pathway for converting mining waste into useful infrastructure material while reducing pressure on conventional waste-disposal systems.