Current situation and progress of coal gangue resource utilization

Against the backdrop of achieving the goals of “peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality”, coal, as the cornerstone of national energy security, plays a crucial role in the green development of our country’s economic construction and social development. However, during the process of coal mining and washing, coal gangue, as the primary associated by-product of coal, has become the foremost bulk solid waste that urgently needs to be addressed in our country. Currently, the comprehensive utilization rate of coal gangue remains at a relatively low level, and a standardized and feasible research system has yet to be established. Therefore, addressing the water, atmospheric, and soil environmental pollution caused by coal mining and coal gangue accumulation, this paper summarizes the relevant research progress on the resource utilization of coal gangue in the production of energy, recovery of valuable metals, production of building materials, and other directions, and also discusses the application of coal gangue in preventing heavy metal pollution, soil remediation, and erosion control. Finally, it proposes the future development direction of coal gangue resource utilization, planning and integrating resources as a whole, not only for conventional purposes but also for the production of high-value-added products. By combining the two, comprehensive and resourceful utilization of coal gangue can be achieved, providing a reference for its “reduction, resource utilization, and recycling” development. In conclusion, the resource utilization of coal gangue is an important direction for the transformation and upgrading of China’s coal industry, and it is also the necessary path to achieve green and sustainable development. Only through unremitting efforts and continuous innovation can we better address the problem of coal gangue accumulation, promote the more efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development of coal gangue resource utilization, and make a greater contribution to the sustainable development of our country’s economy and society.