Sustainable reuse of coal mine waste : experimental and economic assessments for embankments and pavement layer applications in Morocco

This paper examines the potential reuse of coal mine waste rocks (CMWR) as an alternative material for road construction to conserve the natural resources and sustainable management of mining waste. The investigation was conducted through the determination of the chemical, mineralogical, geotechnical properties, and acid mine drainage formulation of CMWR as well as economic feasibility. An economic case study confirmed the workability of CMWR reuse in a radius of 29 km around their dumps. Results confirmed that weathered CMWR can be successfully used as a sustainable alternative material for creating embankments