TAGRA 2025

Rapid population growth and urbanization have accelerated waste accumulation, pushing the biosphere beyond its natural regenerative capacity under the prevailing linear “take–make–use–dispose” model. Transitioning to a circular economy is essential for mitigating environmental degradation. This study aims to identify environmentally harmful yet abundantly available waste materials that could be repurposed in civil engineering applications. Based on a systematic evaluation of multiple waste streams, coalmine overburden was selected for comprehensive experimental investigation. The results demonstrate that all components of coal mine waste can be successfully transformed into valuable construction resources. After pulverizing large stones and separating silt and coal particles, the processed stones can be used as coarse and fine aggregates for concrete, bricks, and mortar. Silt, when blended with ordinary clay, is suitable for producing fired bricks, while residual coal particles offer additional energy recovery potential. The mechanical performance of concrete, bricks, and mortar manufactured from mine-derived aggregates is comparable to standard materials. These findings highlight the significant potential of recycling waste to extend material life cycles, prevent uncontrolled dumping, and partially replenish rapidly depleting natural resources. The approach aligns with the traditional 3R framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) while extending it to include Replenish (restoring scarce resources) and Release land (freeing land previously occupied by waste). This expanded framework advances the circular economy from a linear “make–use–dispose” trajectory toward a regenerative “make–use–recycle–replenish” cycle. By reducing environmental harm, relieving pressure on ecosystems, and enabling land reclamation, the process contributes to long-term sustainability. Moreover, entrepreneurial adoption of the technologies developed in this study offers substantial social and environmental benefits. Transforming polluting waste into usable resources can mitigate soil, water, and air contamination, enhance agricultural productivity by reducing heavy metal accumulation, and strengthen local economies, further reinforcing a regenerative, resource-efficient circular economy.