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Coal Gangue Utilization: Applications, Challenges, and Sustainable Development Strategies

Author

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  • Yinghui Sun

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Bohao Bai

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xu Yang

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China)

  • Shujun Zhu

    (Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal Flexible Combustion and Thermal Conversion, Datong 037000, China)

  • Jilin Tian

    (Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal Flexible Combustion and Thermal Conversion, Datong 037000, China)

  • Zhuozhi Wang

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China)

  • Li Xu

    (Anhui Special Equipment Inspection Institute, 45 Dalian Road, Hefei 230051, China)

  • Lianfei Xu

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China)

  • Boxiong Shen

    (School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China)

Abstract

Coal gangue is a kind of typical by-product emitted during the coal mining and washing process. With the increase in coal resource utilization, a large amount of coal gangue was not reasonably utilized, causing environmental pollution and resource waste. The main purpose of this article is to introduce the surface structural features and compositional characteristics of coal gangue and to summarize the utilization of coal gangue in the fields of building materials, energy production, agricultural utilization, and high-value-added areas such as catalysts and adsorbents. Secondly, this review discussed the environmental challenges and technical difficulties derived from the process of coal gangue utilization and how to solve these problems through innovative methods and technological improvements. Finally, the article proposed the development direction and strategies for the future resource utilization of coal gangue, emphasizing the importance of coal gangue as a sustainable resource and its significant role in achieving a circular economy for reducing environmental pollution. By analyzing the potentiality of coal gangue for resource utilization systematically, this article aims to provide valuable references and insights for researchers and decision-makers in related fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Yinghui Sun & Bohao Bai & Xu Yang & Shujun Zhu & Jilin Tian & Zhuozhi Wang & Li Xu & Lianfei Xu & Boxiong Shen, 2025. "Coal Gangue Utilization: Applications, Challenges, and Sustainable Development Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-39, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:444-:d:1571880
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Yuanyuan & Li, Wenrui & Cheng, Xiangying & Yan, Kezhou & Zhao, Wenxin & Yang, Fengling, 2023. "Air and oxy-fuel combustion characteristics of coal gangue and weathered coal blends," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    2. Zhang, Chonghui & Li, Xiangwen & Sun, Yunfei & Chen, Ji & Streimikiene, Dalia, 2023. "Policy modeling consistency analysis during energy crises: Evidence from China's coal power policy," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
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    4. Bi, Haobo & Wang, Chengxin & Lin, Qizhao & Jiang, Xuedan & Jiang, Chunlong & Bao, Lin, 2020. "Combustion behavior, kinetics, gas emission characteristics and artificial neural network modeling of coal gangue and biomass via TG-FTIR," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
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