Tech company finds profit in coal waste
A technology company in Shanxi province is pioneering the transformation of coal waste into valuable industrial materials, offering a solution to a mounting environmental challenge.
Shanxi Bright Kaolin Technology Corp, located in a major coal-producing region, has developed a technique to manufacture kaolin, a white clay mineral, from coal gangue — a byproduct of coal mining that creates environmental problems.
Coal gangue not only occupies land but also pollutes the air through sulfur emissions and poses a risk of spontaneous combustion. In Shanxi alone, coal gangue storage has reached 900 million metric tons, with its output accounting for 18 percent of coal production.
"Coal gangue is mainly utilized for low-value purposes in China," said Wu Qiang, a national political adviser and professor at the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing). "Despite a national utilization rate exceeding 70 percent, it's primarily used in building materials, combustion and road paving."
The new technology offers a solution, transforming waste into valuable products.
"We've achieved breakthroughs in manufacturing coating kaolin and high-performance coal-based kaolin with exceptional porosity from coal gangue," said Li Yunxia, deputy director of the company's technology center. "Our products boast a large surface area, high oil absorption and strong coverage, meeting international standards."
Through a multi-step process including crushing, grinding, drying and calcination, the company produces ultra-fine kaolin particles exceeding 8,000 mesh — 100 times finer than flour. These particles possess valuable properties like wear resistance, moldability, fire resistance and electrical insulation, making them ideal for various industries such as coatings, aerospace, ceramics and wiring.
Shanxi Bright Kaolin consumes 600,000 tons of coal gangue annually, producing 500,000 tons of ultra-fine kaolin exported to over 40 countries.
"The strong export performance is a testament to the high quality of our coating products," said Yan Hongguang, a senior engineer at a partnering coating company. "While kaolin makes up only 5 to 10 percent of raw materials, its quality significantly impacts the final product."
Recognizing the company's innovation, Shanxi designated the comprehensive utilization industry chain for abandoned resources as a key provincial chain in 2023. Shanxi Bright Kaolin was chosen to lead resource integration and industrial development within this chain.
"We plan to increase investment in research and development, coordinate the development of upstream and downstream sectors, and upgrade the entire industry chain to contribute to the province's high-quality development," said company head Luo Xunqiao.
Related articles
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s Cabinet renewed efforts with a new draft law on renting a prison in2024-05-21- (People's Daily Online) 13:47, August 03, 2023Photo shows a 3D-printed figurine of Wu Yanni, a Chine2024-05-21
5 Chinese nationals, 1 Pakistani killed in terrorist attack in NW Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed in a terrorist2024-05-21Chang'e 6 to carry foreign science payloads
China's upcoming lunar mission has garnered global attention for more reasons than one. The Chan2024-05-21'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21Kenya holds China alumni symposium on Belt and Road Initiative
NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A China alumni symposium on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was hel2024-05-21
atest comment