Use of Fly Ash in Mining Sector

Abstract

Though 100% Fly Ash Utilization has been one of the thrust areas for more than a decade, in India, the actual utilization remains much lower than its generation from thermal power plants. Utilization of ash in civil construction activity, road laying, embankments, agriculture, and development of building materials is unable to keep pace with the huge production to comply with the requirement of MoEF notification. In view of the above, it is essential to focus on the areas suitable for bulk utilization of ash. In this paper, the present scenario of fly ash generation and utilization is studied. It is observed that unless bulk utilization practices are adopted, it is difficult to get rid of the problems of ash disposal in the near future. Few attempts were made in India, for bulk use of fly ash in underground stowing and backfilling of OC mines in the past decade. The problems faced during the experimentation and the feasible solutions to resolve the impediments, based on the earlier attempts, are brought out. It is concluded that it is wise to send the ash to where it has come from, that is to the place where coal has been produced from.