The production of geomaterials as part of the MIDSafe project is an example of the advanced integration of geoengineering knowledge, materials technology, and industrial practice. The Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute plays a leading role in this endeavour.
Drawing on its extensive experience in synthesising materials such as zeolites and geopolymers, the Institute develops detailed procedures for selecting precursors and precise recipes for producing materials with specific mechanical, stabilising and sorption properties.
This process largely relies on the use of fly ash and other waste materials from Polish and Greek hard coal and lignite mines. This not only enables the rational management of waste, but also contributes to the development of a circular economy.
The geopolymers produced in this way are characterised by high mechanical resistance and durability, as well as the ability to stabilise spoil heaps. Zeolites, meanwhile, effectively bind and immobilise pollutants thanks to their developed porous structure, thus limiting their migration to groundwater and surface water.
The MIDSafe project, implemented by an international consortium of ten partners and co-financed by the Coal and Steel Research Fund and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, focuses on developing solutions that increase the safety and stability of post-mining waste disposal sites while minimising their environmental impact.
In this context, geomaterials serve a dual function: they improve the stability of engineering structures as a structural element and protect natural resources as an active sorption medium.
The Central Mining Institute’s National Research Institute’s synthesis process involves selecting the optimal reaction conditions, controlling the physicochemical parameters and testing them in real-life conditions. This guarantees that the final product meets requirements in both laboratory and practical field applications.
Using such innovative materials in the construction or reclamation of hydrotechnical facilities, flood embankment protection, embankment stabilisation or landfill protection makes the production of geomaterials within the MIDSafe project a real step towards a new generation of engineering solutions.
Thanks to the synergy of basic research, development work, and direct cooperation with industry, the technologies being developed have the potential to become standard practice in future geotechnical and environmental engineering projects while ensuring long-term structural stability and reducing the negative environmental impact of mining activities.
Currently, we synthesise geomaterials mainly from fly ash and other suitable waste materials using the hydrothermal method. The next step will be to develop zeolites designed to absorb heavy metals and pollutants from landfills. We will test their effectiveness in real-life conditions to assess their impact on soil and vegetation. The final step will be to create a sample bank and a database of innovative materials, providing a comprehensive overview of their properties and applications – Professor Barbara Białecka, project manager at The Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute.
