AN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION FOR PHOSPHATE COARSE WASTE REJECT-USING THEM AS CONCRETE MIX AGGREGATES

Abstract

Large quantities of coarse solid wastes are generated during the beneficiation of Egyptian phosphate ores. The volume of the solid waste generated and accumulated from the mineral processing activities, is the main pollution concern in the mining area around the plant. However, these wastes, because of their similarity to conventional aggregates, represent a potentially useful source of material for a variety of applications. This paper examines the suitability of the coarse solid wastes generated from upgrading phosphate ores as aggregates in concrete mix. The properties of these wastes are tested, according to the Egyptian Standard Test Methods for Concrete Mix (ESTMCM). According to the results obtained, the mean value of uniaxial compressive strength of standard concrete cubes tested after 28 days of curing was found to be in the average 240 kg/cm 2 (ESTMCM ranges between 180-300 kg/cm 2). The obtained results proved that this kind of wastes can be used for concrete mix in civil constructions. The positive uses of these wastes are considered beneficial from the economic and environmental points of view.