Mining Waste Complex Research and Development of Technologies for their Use in Georgia

Abstract

In 1996, Georgian mining and extractive industry moved to a new stage as a result of the adoption of a new law on subsoil, which prepared grounds for the development of a legislative framework regarding the use of country's subsoil and created new economic settings for the industry. Mining and extractive industry play a significant role in Georgia's sustainable economic development. From 1999 through 2020, the output value of the industry (excluding non-renewable energy resources: coal, natural gas and oil products)is estimated at of 5,6 billion Lari (GEL). The majority of deposits of mineral resources in Georgia are mainly small and medium in size. Considering the current rate of their exploitation, within 15-20 years their majority will be exhausted. Over time, the country's economy will face a serious problem as it will need to import raw materials. It is therefore important to look for feasible technologies for the application of unconventional raw materials, namely secondary raw materials that come with essential mineral resources. This will allow to maintain the potential of mineral resources of the country. The work presents the outcomes of the Mining Institute's current studies on qualitative, quantitative and assimilative technologies and possibilities of the application of mining waste as secondary natural resources. Research methodology is based on the principles of Green Economy that implies linking mining and extractive industry to circular economy, aiming at rational assimilation of natural resources by applying the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) approach. Within the frames of the study, technologies were developed for obtaining construction, glass and porcelain raw materials (from spoiled rock layers stored and extracted from operating open pit mines of the Chiatura manganese and Bolnisi ore deposits/queries), along with those for manufacturing products with such materials.