Repurposing pyrite from coal waste
This study aims to provide a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility to concentrate pyrite contained in South African coal wastes and recover iron-based coagulants in support of recovery of valuables from local coal downstream emissions. This approach has the potential to improve resource efficiency and provide opportunities for coal mines to enhance their financial viability through product diversification. Furthermore, the establishment of a secondary economy also stimulate enterprise development and economic development in support of addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality for local communities past the perceived mine ‘end-of-life’.