Treatment of Waste Product of Overburden Coal Mines and Bauxite Ore by Using Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum

The accumulation of industrial byproducts like Coal Mine Overburden (CMOB) and Bauxite Residue (BR) poses significant environmental challenges. Conventional stabilization using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) contributes to high $CO_2$ emissions. This study investigates the potential of microbial biopolymers—Xanthan Gum (XG) and Gellan Gum (GG)—as eco-friendly binders to enhance the mechanical properties of these wastes. Experimental results indicate that a 1.5% biopolymer concentration significantly improves Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and durability, making these waste streams viable for bricks, road sub-bases, and embankments. The mining and metallurgy industries generate astronomical quantities of waste, primarily in the form of Coal Mine Overburden (CMOB) and Bauxite Residue (BR). These materials typically occupy vast land areas, causing dust pollution and potential groundwater contamination. While the construction industry has the volume capacity to consume these wastes, traditional stabilization using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is increasingly criticized for its high energy consumption and $CO_2$ emissions.