Systematic Selection of Waste from Run-of-Mine Coal Processing as Sustainable Raw Materials for Organo-Mineral Fertilizer Production

Eduarda Fraga Olivo, Juliana Acordi, Morgana Nuernberg Sartor Faraco, Lisandro Simão, Manuel Joaquim Ribeiro (), Élia Maria Raposo Fernandes, Jairo José Zocche and Fabiano Raupp-Pereira
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Eduarda Fraga Olivo: Program for Graduate Studies in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM), V@lor-EC Research Group, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil
Juliana Acordi: Program for Graduate Studies in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM), V@lor-EC Research Group, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil
Morgana Nuernberg Sartor Faraco: Beneficent Association of the Santa Catarina Coal Industry, SATC (Sociedade de Assistência aos Trabalhadores do Carvão), Criciúma 88805-380, SC, Brazil
Lisandro Simão: Graduate Program in Enviromental Technology (PPG-TA), University of Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto 14096-900, SP, Brazil
Manuel Joaquim Ribeiro: ProMetheus-Research Unit in Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Élia Maria Raposo Fernandes: CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Jairo José Zocche: Program for Post-Graduation in Environmental Sciences (PPGCA), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil
Fabiano Raupp-Pereira: Program for Graduate Studies in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM), V@lor-EC Research Group, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: The main focus of this study, from a sustainable perspective, was to develop mineral circularity actions for the minimization of environmental impacts, generated over decades by the processing of run-of-mine (ROM) coal in the Catarinense coal basin–Brazil (CCB–Br), from the use of potential residual fractions (candidate residues) as raw materials for the production of organo-mineral fertilizers, or OMFs (candidate products). Therefore, the objective was to assess the potential of the residual fractions, generated in the distinct phases of ROM coal processing, as candidate waste for valorization, contributing directly to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The samples from ROM processing resulted in 24 waste fractions identified by geological characteristics and a sustainable processing methodology. These fractions were subjected to a systematic analysis using the criteria for waste valorization CPQvA (classification (C) of hazardousness, potentiality (P), quantities/viability (Qv), and applicability (A)). Two samples were identified with significant potential for valorization in the agro-industry as sustainable raw materials for the organo-mineral fertilizers. Both samples exhibited neutral stock pH values (7.0 and 7.1), low percentage Fe 2 O 3 content (4.2% and 3.2%), low SO 3 content (0.5% and 1.2%), and low total sulfur content (1.0%). These characteristics qualified the studied ROM samples as raw materials suitable for the production of organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs), and which comply with Brazilian legislation.

Keywords: organo-mineral fertilizers; waste valorization; sulfur recovery; circular economy; sustainable raw materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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