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/cm2 (ESTMCM ranges between 180 – 300
kg/cm2). 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.