Disposal of low-grade waste coal together with plant residues

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-120-126

Читать на русскоя языкеM.A. Pashkevich, E.S. Kazakov
Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S/ 2026 p. 120-126

Abstract: Introduction of coal mining waste in the economic activities of the mining company contributes not only to reducing the anthropogenic impact on the environment, but also to obtaining a positive economic effect. This work aims at studying the effects of additives made of plant biomass (wheat straw, sunflower husk, pine sawdust) on the calorific characteristics of secondary fuels based on silt coal, a waste from anthracite processing in the Donetsk coal basin. The research methodology included preparation of fuel compositions at the ratios of 7/3 and 8/2 of the plant residues to the silt coal by weight with addition of 5 wt. % of corn starch. Comprehensive studies of the composition and properties of the selected samples were conducted using the facilities of the Assessment of Anthropogenic Transformation of Ecosystems Research Center at St. Petersburg Mining University. Determination of the high heating value was carried out using the calorimetric bomb method. Elemental analysis of the resulting ash was made using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer. It was found that all the studied mixtures are superior in their calorific value to the silt coal in its pure form (13 MJ/kg). The maximum high heating values (19.5 MJ/kg) and the minimum ash content (5.4%) are recorded for a composition of sawdust with silt coal at the ratio of 7/3. A technological scheme for reclamation of waste coal based on a KAMAZ 6520 dump truck is proposed for this mixture, which is designed to dispose of the accumulated silt coal directly in the sludge storage area.

Keywords: Donetsk coal basin, anthracite, washery refuse, silt coal, blended fuel, solid biofuel, fuel pellets, ash

Acknowledgements: This work was carried out within the framework of a state assignment from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (Study of the processes of integrated development of the Earth’s interior and deep processing of geological resources, project No. FSRW-2026-0003).

For citation: Pashkevich M.A., Kazakov E.S. Disposal of low-grade waste coal together with plant residues. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4S):120–126. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-120-126

Article info

Received: 18.05.2026

Revised: 29.07.2026

Accepted: 14.08.2026

Information about the authors

Mariya A. Pashkevich – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Department of Geoecology, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7020-8219; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Egor S. Kazakov – Student, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6873-4448; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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