ABSTRACT
Hard coal mines in Poland have been significant recipients and users of by-products and waste materials from coal combustion in the power sector, particularly fly ash. Following the decommissioning of coal mines, a range of technical and environmental activities are undertaken within the scope of post-mining management. Technologies employed for the reclamation of post-mining areas, spoil heaps, and industrial waste landfills, as well as for the neutralization of acidified soils and acidic groundwater, the stabilization of heavy metals, and the improvement of soil quality, either utilize fly ash or can benefit from its application. Fly ash derived from various combustion and flue gas desulfurization technologies exhibits differing levels of suitability for these purposes. Moreover, the specific conditions of individual technologies and the scale of environmental and technical challenges in post-mining areas influence the quantitative demand for fly ash. This paper presents a characterization of technologies used to address technical and environmental issues in post-mining areas where fly ash is applied, emphasizing the material properties required for its effective use. It also outlines the main differences in the characteristics of various types of fly ash and presents the results of laboratory tests on selected fly ash–water mixtures, confirming their suitability for specific post-mining applications.
