August 23, 2024 – Marble, a primary architectural decoration material, is associated with significant resource waste and environmental pollution during its mining and processing. Statistics indicate that approximately 70% of marble resources are transformed into waste during this process. However, these wastes are not useless; in fact, they offer multiple avenues for comprehensive utilization, which can not only conserve resources but also effectively reduce environmental pollution.
The primary component of marble tailings is calcium carbonate, classifying it as a non-metallic mineral. Currently, notable progress has been achieved in the comprehensive utilization of such tailings and waste residues. One primary method of utilization involves using marble tailings for the production of calcium carbonate. Through processes like washing, dehydration, and screening, marble tailings with a particle size greater than 50mm can serve as raw materials for the production of light or heavy calcium carbonate.
Furthermore, marble waste can be employed in the manufacturing of stone-like coatings. These coatings primarily consist of natural waste stone powder, binders, and assistants. By grinding marble tailings and waste residues to a certain fineness, they can be utilized as fillers for stone-like coatings, with an addition ratio of up to 60%-70%. This approach not only efficiently utilizes waste residues but also finds widespread application.
Apart from the aforementioned methods, marble waste can also be used to produce various products such as artificial quartz stone, concrete, desulfurizer, manufactured sand, soil conditioner, and composite materials. These utilization pathways enhance resource efficiency, reduce production costs, and contribute to environmental pollution reduction.
It’s worth noting that marble waste can also be employed in the production of aragonite whiskers and as a filter material for wastewater treatment. For instance, in a marble mine located in Shimian County, Sichuan Province, the quicklime obtained from pretreated and calcined tailings can be used as a raw material for preparing aragonite whiskers. Additionally, due to its acid-neutralizing properties, marble can be selected as a filter material for industrial wastewater treatment.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, these comprehensive utilization methods for marble waste not only present new development opportunities for the chemical industry but also make a positive contribution to environmental protection. Through these approaches, we can more effectively utilize resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact.