coal refuse
nounPronunciation: /koʊl rɪˈfjuz/
Waste material from coal processing operations containing low-grade coal, rock, and processing residues. Often forms large piles requiring specialized reclamation approaches.
Full Definition
Coal refuse, also known as coal waste or gob, consists of the unusable materials separated during coal preparation and processing operations. This waste typically contains a mixture of low-grade coal, rock fragments, clay, and chemical processing residues that were removed to improve coal quality. Coal refuse piles can spontaneously combust due to oxidation of residual coal content, creating unique environmental and safety challenges. Reclamation of these sites requires specialized techniques to address potential combustion, leachate generation, and slope stability issues while establishing sustainable vegetation cover.
Plain English
The leftover rock, dirt, and low-quality coal that gets thrown away when processing coal for use, which can catch fire and needs special cleanup.
In Editorial Context
A legacy mining waste type that features prominently in reclamation stories focusing on innovative cleanup technologies and community health impacts, requiring clear explanation of environmental risks.
Etymology & History
Emerged with industrial coal processing in the mid-19th century as demand for higher-grade coal increased and washing technologies developed.
Initially called 'culm' or 'gob' regionally; standardized terminology developed with federal mining regulations in the 1970s.
Usage
"The environmental assessment identified three coal refuse piles totaling 2.3 million tons that required immediate reclamation due to ongoing combustion."
Usage note: Preferred over older regional terms like 'gob' or 'culm' in formal documentation.
Context: environmental assessments, reclamation planning, regulatory documents
Region: US
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Coal ash is from combustion while coal refuse is from processing - different sources and properties