Key information

Title
A method for treatment of mining waste
Application number
20151609
Case type
National
Status
30.11.2017 P.g.a ikke betalt årsavgift
Filed
25.11.2015
Effective date
25.11.2015
Publicly available
26.05.2017
Applicant
CARBO LUCRA AS (NO)
Inventor
Knut Ove Steinhovden (NO) et al.
Agent
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)

Abstract and drawing

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A method for treatment of mining waste. The method comprises adding the mining waste and a flowable solidifier to a container. The flowable solidifier comprises one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof. The flowable geopolymeric former possesses the ability to produce a geopolymeric reaction by itself or in combination with the mining waste. The flowable cement former possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which concrete is formed. The method further comprises combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, and solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the cement solidifying reaction to form a solidified combination.

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 21.06.2018 12-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT PT Batch Endelig henlagt for ikke betalt årsavgift (3313)
15.06.2018 11-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT Henlagt manglede svar HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 03.04.2018 10-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT PT Batch Påminnelse om ikke betalt årsavgift (3329)
21.02.2018 09-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT Realitet patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 28.09.2017 08-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT PT Batch Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317)
21.02.2017 07-04 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Krav ren Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 21.02.2017 07-03 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Krav merket Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 21.02.2017 07-02 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Hovedbrev Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 21.02.2017 07-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 19.12.2016 06-02 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Hovedbrev Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 19.12.2016 06-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 23.06.2016 05-02 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT PT report 09:21:10
23.06.2016 05-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT Realitet patent Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 18.12.2015 04-02 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Fullmakt Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 18.12.2015 04-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 02.12.2015 03-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT Formalia 1 Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 02.12.2015 02-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 UT Infobrev til oppfinner Håmsø Patentbyrå AS
 25.11.2015 01-04 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Beskrivelse
25.11.2015 01-03 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Erklæring Søkers rett til oppfinnelse
25.11.2015 01-02 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN P27446NO00_fig
25.11.2015 01-01 Saksbehandling 20151609 INN Søknadsskjema Patent

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
The present invention relates to a method for treatment of mining waste, such as depleted mining waste in general and in particular depleted mining waste of the mineral rutile or ilmenite, which is used for producing titanium. The present invention also relates to a combination of a mining waste and a flowable solidifier and an underwater structure made therefrom.In prior art, mining waste ts handled by depositing the mining waste in a deposit storage at land or in the sea. The deposition has the disadvantage of requiring large land areas. Furthermore, the deposition may induce environmental risks. The mining waste may contain considerable quantities of dangerous substances in the form of minerals and heavy metals, such as Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, which may leak into the environment, in particular when the mining waste is deposited in the sea. Furthermore, through the extraction and subsequent mineral processing, these substances tend to become chemically more avatlable for separation from the mining waste.A further related problem is that the environmental requirements from the authorities on deposition of mining waste are becoming increasingly stricter. The requirements from authorities limits how the mining waste can be deposited. In order to fulfil the requirements, it may be necessary to modify the deposition facilities with additional barriere towards the surrounding environment. In unfavourable conditions, the additional barders are not sufficient to fulfil the requirements and it may be necessary to restrict the annual mining production or extraction processing.Yet another problem when depositing mining waste is that the mining waste normally has been grinded to small pieces, such as a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, which enables the mining waste to be dislocated away from the intended waste deposit. This problem is in particular pronounced when depositing the mining waste in the sea. When the small grains of mining waste are deposited in the sea, the grains spread when sinking towards the bottom and covers a large area of the sea bottom around the location of the waste deposit. Furthermore, even after being deposited, currents in the water may spread the grains of mining waste along the sea bottom. The spread of the mining waste severely influences the algaculture at the sea bottom around the waste deposit. The problem is also present at land deposits, where the mining waste is spread by the wind.The problem of handling mining waste and the effect of leakage of above mentioned residual minerals is present for mining waste of the mineral rutile when producing titanium. Mineral deposit of rutile is for example available at Engebøfjellet in Norway. The depleted mining waste from Engebøfjellet comprises approximately 5% Ti in addition to the above mentioned minerals and heavy metals.ID201301721A discloses a method for making a geopolymer composite that comprises Ti02.The object of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. In particular, a first object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited with reduced leakage of residual minerals and heavy metals. A second object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited submerged in water, such as in a lake or the sea. A third object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited without being displaced from the deposit.These objects are achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. In particular, these objects are achieved by means of a method for treatment of mining waste according to claim 1. The method comprises the steps of - adding the mining waste and a flowable solidifier to a container, wherein the flowable solidifier comprises one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former possesses the ability to produce a geopolymeric reaction by itself or in combination with the mining waste in which a geopolymer is formed, wherein the flowable cement former possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which concrete is formed,- solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the cement solidifying reaction to form a solidified combination.By forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, the mining waste is combined to at least one large unit that is prevented from being dislocated away from the waste deposit due to interaction of streams of water, wind, and etcetera.By forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the flowable solidifier. Thereby, the direct exposure of an outer surface of the mining waste to the surrounding environment is reduced. Furthermore, after that the formable combination has solidified, the flowable solidifier acts as a barriere against leakage and diffusion of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.Accordingly, the method of the invention results in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste when the solidified combination is stored in a deposit. The reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste is particular pronounced when the mining waste is stored submerged in water. Thereby, the method enables the solidified combination to fulfil the increasingly stricter environmental requirements from the authorities on deposition of mining waste.The term geopolymeric reaction relates to the chemical process in which the flowable geopolymeric former solidifies, also denoted geopolymeirzation. The geopolymeric reaction may relate to one of a process of repeating units, such as silico-oxide (-Si-O-Si-O-), silico-aluminate (-Si-O-AI-O-), ferro-silico-aluminate (-Fe-O-Si-O-AI-O-) or alumino-phosphate (-AI-0-P-0-), and etcetera.The term cement solidifying reaction relates to the chemical process in which the flowable cement former solidifies. The cement solidifying reaction may relate to one of a process of hydratton and carbonatation in which the flowable cement former solidifies.According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable geopolymeric configured accordingly.By means of the combination of creating the geopolymer from the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is configured in combination with the first portion of the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction, and wherein the second portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the second portion of the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste.The first portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable geopolymeric former to the geopolymer that is produced by the geopolymeric reaction. The second portion of the mining waste is at least partly encapsulated by the geopolymer. By means of the combination of creating the geopolymer from the first portion of the mining waste and encapsulating the second portion of the mining waste by the geopolymer, a large amount of the mining waste can be combined together. Ac cordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit.According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured to react by itself to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable geopolymeric configured accordingly.By means of the combination of the geopolymer with the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable cement former that is configured to react by itself to produce the cement solidifying reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable cement former configured accordingly.By means of the combination of the cement former with the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier fully encloses the outer surface of the mining waste. By enclosing the mining waste in the flowable solidifier, the exposure of the outer surface of the mining waste with the surrounding is reduced resulting in in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.By arranging the solidified combination of the mining waste and the geopolymeric component into pellets, the deposition of the combination is facilitated and the deposition facilities can be utilized to high degree in that the pellets allow a high degree of packing density. The pellets are preferably configured with a size that prevents them from being displaced by interaction of streams of water, wind, and etcetera. The pellets may be arranged in various of forms, such as spherical, cylindrical, and etcetera.According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier in the pellets so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, a majority of the pellets are arranged so that the flowable solidifier mainly en-According to an embodiment of the invention, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has solidified.According to an embodiment of the invention, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the solidified combination has reached a compressive strength of more than 2 MPa, preferably more than 5 MPa. The flowable solidifier may after being fully solidified have a compressive strength of 10 MPa or higher, such as 25 - 55 MPA under favourable conditions. However, even before being fully solidified, the flowable solidifier provides a reduction of leakage and diffusjon of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.According to an embodiment of the invention, the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel. Preferably, the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit. By performing the method of forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier during transportation, the overall cost of the deposition is reduced.By depositing the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier in a lake or the sea, the cost of the deposition is reduced compared with land based deposition facilities. Preferably, a pipe or similar is used for guiding the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to the intended position of deposit at the seabed.- forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier combined mining waste into an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture.- covering an area or object at the seabed by depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. The object may for example be a wreck or other structure. The area may for example be an area comprising contamination.- tilling a bore of a well with the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. For example, a bore of an offshore well.- forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier into a breakwater structure for reducing coastal erosion or providing safe harbourage.According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable geopolymeric former is one of a slag-based geopolymer, a rock-based geopolymer and a fly ash-based geopolymer, or a combination thereof.According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable geopolymeric former comprises water and at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.Fly ash is a residue generated in large amounts of combustion, such from coal, waste and etcetera. Slag is a residue generated from metai production after that the desired metal has been separated from the ore. Both the fly ash and the slag contain considerable quantities of dangerous substances, such as dioxin and heavy metals. Furthermore, the fly ash and the slag are highly alkaline. Accordingly, both the fly ash and the slag requtre spectal deposit arrangement.By combining the mining waste with the fly ash and/or the slag, a combined waste treatment of both mining waste and fly ash and/or slag is obtained. Furthermore, a high pH is necessary for the geopolymeric reaction and the alkaline properties fly ash and/or the slag enables this without further additives.According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production comprising substantial amounts of at least one of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO). In regards to the geopolymer, one of or a combination of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO) may be part of the geopolymeric reaction.According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm.According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste comprises depleted mining waste of at least one of the mineral rutile and ilmenite, or a combination thereof.According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste constitutes 50- 95 % of the mass of the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, preferably, 60 - 80 % of the mass.The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22. The combination is characterized in that it is manufactured by a method according to any of claim 1-21.The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture. The underwater structure comprises a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of use of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 discloses a flow chart of a method for treatment of mining waste according to anFig. 2a discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of miningFig. 2b discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of miningwaste and a flowable solidifier according to a second embodiment of the invention.Fig. 2c discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of miningFig. 2d discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of miningwaste and a flowable solidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.Fig. 3 discloses a vessel for transporting and forming the combination of the mining wasteIn fig. 1 an example of a method for treatment of mining waste according to an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The method is initiated in a step 100 by adding the mining waste to a container and in a step 110 by adding a flowable solidifier component to the container. The mining waste and the flowable solidifier may be added in any order or simultaneously.The mining waste is preferably in a granulated form that enables it be mixed and coated with the flowable geopolymeric component. The flowable geopolymeric component is preferably arranged flowable with a viscosity that enables the geopolymeric component to cover an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, more preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm, and the flowable geopolymeric component has a viscosity that enables the mining waste to be distributed in the flowable solidifier.In a step 120, the method further comprises combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier. The combination is done by mixing the mining waste with the flowable solidifier in a mixing device, such as a by means of a concrete mixer comprising a revolving drum for mixing the mining waste with the flowable solidifier. Preferably, the mining waste with the flowable solidifier is mixed until the mining waste is homogeneously distributed in the flowable solidifier. By means of step 120, the flowable solidifier encloses the mining waste into a formable combination. Preferably, the method further comprises steps of dividing the formable combination into pellets of similar size and form.In a step 130, the method further comprises solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the ceramic reaction to form a solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier.The solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is arranged so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses the mining waste, preferably the flowable solidifier completely encloses the mining waste. Thereby, the exposure of an outer surface of the mining waste with the surrounding environment is reduced and possible leakage or diffusjon of the minerals and heavy metals is reduced.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method steps of 100 -130 are performed on a vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit, for example on a ship when transporting the mine waste for deposition submerged in water. In shall be understood that the method steps of 100 -130 also may be performed during the vessel is in an idle position, such as when being anchored at sea or at a harbour.In a step 140, the method comprises depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. Preferably, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has at least partly solidified.The solidified combination of the mining waste and the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier provides the advantage of allowing the mining waste to be deposited without that the mining waste is displaced by interaction from steams of water, wind, and etcetera. Accordingly, the environmental effect of depositing the mining waste is reduced.The solidified combination of the mining waste and the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier further provides the advantage of allowing the mining waste to be deposited with reduced leakage or diffusion of the minerals and heavy metals. Thereby, the solidified combination can be deposited at more simple deposit facilities or submerged in water while fulfilling the environmental requirements from the authorities. Accordingly, the overall cost of the deposition by means of treatment of the mining waste using the method is reduced. Furthermore, the environmental interaction from the deposition is reduced.The flowable solidifier is one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof. In the following, an example of the flowable geopolymeric former will be presented. The flowable geopolymeric former comprises one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.Fly ash is a residue generated in large amounts of combustion, such from coal, waste and etcetera. Slag is a residue generated from metal production after that the desired metal has been separated from the ore.The mining waste, fly ash and slag from metal production are all comprising dangerous substances. The mining waste comprises significant amount of minerals and heavy metals as discussed previously. The fly ash and slag from metal production comprises dioxin and heavy metals. Accordingly, by combining the mining waste with the fly ash and/or slag from metal production into a solidified combination, an efficient waste treatment is obtained.The fly ash and the slag from metal production are both highly alkaline. In regards to the geopolymer, a high pH is necessary for the geopolymeric reaction. Accordingly, the fly ash and the slag from metal production can be used for enabling the geopolymeric reaction without further additives.According to a preferred embodiment, the flowable geopolymer former is made by mixing the following components in regards to their weight, 75 % mining waste and/or residual waste from titanium production, 15 % fly ash and/or slag, 5 % potassium silicate, 1 % sodium hydroxide, 4% water. The components are mixed together to the formable combination that is divided into pellets and allowed to solidify.In the following, an example of the flowable cement former will be presented. The flowable cement former comprises one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.According to a preferred embodiment, the flowable cement former is a Portland cement. Preferably, the cement comprises one of type I, type II, type III, type IV and type V Portland cement according to ASTM C150, wherein the mining waste and/or residual waste from titanium production constitutes 50 - 95 % of the composition, preferably 70 - 80 % of the composition. Fig. 2a discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises mainly the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction in which a geopolymer is formed that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. In the following embodiment, the flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified combination by a geopolymeric reaction mainly between the geopolymeric former and the mining waste. By means of the geopolymeric reaction, the mining waste becomes a part of a solidified geopolymer 200. In ftg. 2a, the solidified combination is illustrated by a first hatching. Fig. 2b discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises again mainly the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction in which a geopolymer is formed that solidifies the formable combination.In contrast to the embodiment in fig. 2a, the flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified geopolymer 200 with only a first portion of the mining waste. A second portion of the mining waste is enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste. In fig. 2b, the solidified geopolymer 200 is illustrated by the first hatching together with enclosure of grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 2c discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises mainly a flowable cement former that possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which a concrete structure 205 is formed. Grains 210 of the mining waste are enclosed in the solidified combination of the flowable cement former and the mining waste. In fig. 2c, the solidified concrete structure 205 is illustrated by a second hatching. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 2d discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises partly a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former. The flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified combination with a first portion of the mining waste by a geopolymeric reaction between the geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste. The structure in fig. 2d further comprises partly a flowable cement former that possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which a concrete structure 205 is formed. In the disclosed embodiment grains 210 of a second portion of the mining waste are enclosed in the combined geopolymer 200 and concrete structure 205. In fig. 2d, the solidified combination is illustrated by the first and the second hatching together with enclosure of the second portion of the mining waste. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 3 discloses a vessel 300 for transporting and forming the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the vessel 300 is a ship and the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is adapted to be deposited in the sea.The vessel 300 is configured with means for manufacturing the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier. The means comprises arrangement for adding the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to a container 310, such as a first conveyor beit 315, combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, such as by rotating the container 310, and dividing the formable combination into pellet that are allowed to solidify. The vessel 300 further comprises a plurality displaceable boxes 320 for holding the mining waste, the flowable solidifier or components of the flowable solidifier, and pellets of the formable combination or solidified combination.Preferably, the vessel 300 further comprises a second conveyor belt 325 that is adapted to transport the formable combination while being solidified to a discharging arrangement 330 for discharging the combination from the vessel 300. The discharging arrangement 330 comprises for example a pipe or similar for guiding the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to the intended position of deposit at the seabed. Preferably, the second conveyor belt 325 is provided with a layer of granular solid material, such as sand, gravel, etcetera, for preventing the formable combination from sticking to the second conveyor belt 325. In the disclosed example the container 310 is arranged in the bow of the vessel 300.Preferably, the solidified combination is deposited submerged in water is such a way that an artificial reef is constructed. The artificial reef is arranged with forms and hollow spaces that are desirable for increasing fish yield or for algaculture. The solidified combination may also be used for covering an area or object at the seabed, such as a wreck or other structure, or for covering an area of the seabed that comprises contamination. The solidified combination may also be used as a tilling material for a bore of an offshore well. Furthermore, the solidified combination may be used as material in a breakwater structure for reducing coastal erosion or pro vid ing safe harbourage.lt should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims
1. A method for treatment of mining waste, wherein the method comprises - adding the mining waste and a flowable solidifier to a container, wherein the flowable solidifier comprises one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former possesses the ability to produce a geopolymeric reaction by itself or in combination with the mining waste in which a geopolymer is formed, wherein the flowable cement fonner possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which concrete is formed, - combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, and - solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the cement solidifying reaction to form a solidified combination.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.3. The method according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the mining waste comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is configured in combination with the first portion of the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction, and wherein the second portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the second portion of the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste.4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured to react by itself to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable cement former that is configured to react by itself to produce the cement solidifying reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.6. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste.7. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - forming the combined mining waste and the flowable solidifier into pellets.8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier in the pellets so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste.9. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier.10. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has solidified.11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the solidified combination has reached a compressive strength of more than 2 MPa, preferably more than 5 MPa.12. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel.13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on the vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit14. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier submerged in water.15. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier combined mining waste into an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture.16. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is one of a slag-based geopolymer, a rock-based geopolymer and a fly ash-based geopolymer, or a combination thereof.17. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable geopolymeric fonner comprises water and at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.18. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of ash and slag from metal production comprising substantial amounts of at least one of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO).19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm.20. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste comprises depleted mining waste of at least one of the mineral rutile and ilmenrte, or a combination thereof.21. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste constitutes 50- 95 % of the mass of the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, preferably, 60 - 80 % of the mass.22. A combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier, characterized in that the combination is manufactured by a method according to any of claim 1-21.23. An underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture, characterized in that the underwater structure comprises a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.24. Use of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.
Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classesC04B 28/00C04B 28/04C04B 18/12C04B 12/00CPC classesC04B 28/006C04B 28/04C04B 18/12C04B 12/005

Citations

US 5349118 A (A)US 4859367 A (A)US 4770708 A (A)Zhang, L. et al., “Synthesis and characterization of fly ash modified mine tailings-based geopolymers”, Construction and Building Materials, Volume 25, Issue 9, September 2011, p. 3773-3781. ()Drechsler, M. et al., “Geopolymers – An Innovative Materials Technology Bringing Resource Sustainability to Construction and Mining Industries”, 48th Institute of Quarrying Conference 12-15 October 2005, Adelaide SA. ()

Applicants, owners and inventors

Applicants
CARBO LUCRA AS
Ullebust 6819 FØRDE NO (SUNNFJORD Municipality, Vestland county)Org. number: 915739016Inventors
Knut Ove Steinhovden
Høgevollstubben 14 4327 SANDNES NO (SANDNES Municipality, Rogaland county)
Olav Helge Aasen
Sundsdalen 6819 FØRDE NO (SUNNFJORD Municipality, Vestland county)
Alf Steinhovden
Steinhovden 6940 EIKEFJORD NO (KINN Municipality, Vestland county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Org. number: 918752900

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Postboks 9 4068 STAVANGER NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)
Org. number: 918752900
Reference: P27446NO00

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