Umweltbundesamt

Stones & Soils

In order for a country's economy to develop and flourish, it must have sufficient non-metal mineral resources, industrial minerals and, especially, stone (e.g., gravel) and soil (e.g., loam, clay, limestone).


For example, construction bricks and roofing tiles are made from clay. In addition, clay and clay minerals are also used in the ceramic, foodstuffs and chemical industries, in landfill construction, etc.
Limestone is considered a universally usable material in environmental protection, e.g., in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment and waste gas purification, odour control, sewage sludge treatment and neutralisation of acid soil. It is also important to the glass industry as a raw material.
Cement - a mixture of limestone, clay, sand and iron ore - forms the basis for the production of concrete, which is crucial for the construction industry, among others.
Environmental burdens are inevitable in the degradation and processing of raw materials, if only because they are not renewable. Damage can be minimised through resource-efficient extraction, complete extraction and use of the raw materials at the deposit site, use of raw materials at the highest possible processing level as well as extensive utilisation of the accompanying raw materials and the residue.
There are even toeholds in the processing industry, because energy costs make up a significant part of the production costs and various air pollutants are emitted.
The CPG database contains various solution approaches in this category: some examples from the waste site decontamination area, but mainly project examples of integrated environmental protection measures in the ceramic, glass, cement and concrete industry. As usual, the focus remains on energy efficiency, waste gas purification and utilisation options for various types of waste.


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73 information in Stones & Soils
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Project-IconChromium-free and recyclable fireproof material for high-stress applications
In comparison with chromium-based magnesite, the zirconium-based magnesite material HB98Z, which has been specially developed for the fireproof cladding of rotary drum kilns in the cement industry, has achieved a 25% longer service life. The recycling of waste cladding material as an aggregate for cement clinker has proved to be unproblematic. Expand…
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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Project-IconClosure of material cycles by the application of degradation in process solutions: acid polishing of lead crystal and crystal glass
Specific developments in flushing and concentrator technology have allowed the virtually complete closure of material cycles to be achieved. These measures contribute to cost savings and to the reduction of environmental pollution, since they involve a lower consumption of chemicals and a consequent reduction in waste production. Expand…
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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PDF-IconCold reconstruction with foamed bitumen
Regular restoration measures are essential to the maintenance of an efficient road network. Cold recycling using foamed bitumen provides an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional road resurfacing method applied hitherto. By the addition of bonding agents and admixtures, this process allows the complete in-situ recycling of the old road surface, with limited energy consumption and low emissions. Further information is contained in the description of the project.
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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Project-IconCompletion of the material cycle in procedures for the removal of materials in process solutions: ecological and economic evaluation and optimisation
A software has been developed for the objective evaluation and optimisation of planned modifications to technical installations, in terms of their ecological impact and cost-effectiveness. Results from the investigation of nine sample processes have provided the most reliable research findings possible for the parties involved in the project. Expand…
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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PDF-IconConcrete also flows with less water
This German-language article highlights a research project in which the development of new additives for concrete was an important goal. With the newly created liquefier formula, it is possible to reliably control the binding of the concrete and consequently complete building projects in less time.
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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Project-IconCyanide degradation and the biosorption of heavy metals in waste waters from ore mining and treatment works
Principles for bacterial cyanide degradation and the use of fungi for the sorption of heavy metals have been established on a laboratory scale. On the basis of results obtained, the operation of a biotechnical plant would appear to be a cost-effective option. Potential applications include gold extraction plants, electroplating works and general industrial operations involving cyanide-bearing waste waters. Expand…
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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Project-IconDemonstration plant for the recovery of water used for industrial purposes in the tableware sector and recirculation as water for industrial use
A plant was constructed, using two available longitudinal sewage tanks, for the purpose of further purifying the sewage from tableware production through coagulating solids by means of sedimentation, sand afterfiltering and subsequent treatment in a reversing osmosis unit; it was successfully put into operation (further information in German). Expand…
Source:  Federal Environment Agency (UBA)
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PDF-IconDevelopment and Test of a Washing Facility with Wet Processing for the Recycling of Crushed Stones
The processing of previously unsuitable broken stones into high-grade aggregate was tested in a pilot plant using wet and dry recycling methods. Wet processing is the more ecological method since it is not necessary to use primary energy to separate the wet materials by heating them and dust emissions do not occur. The resulting rinse water contains only harmless mineral matter. The produced building materials can be utilized as a substitute for producing mineral mixtures used for road construction (detailed information in German).
Source:  Federal Foundation for the Environment (DBU)
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Project-IconDevelopment from defective matter and fulling – off poor single-etching-bath-method for the sourness polish by crystal glass
During the term of this research project, a number of technical developments have been achieved for the significant reduction of environmental pollution associated with crystal glass production. These developments comprise a chemical etching technique for the polishing of ground glass, a neutralisation installation for wastewater pollutants, an exhaust air scrubber and an installation for the treatment of grinding water for recirculation. Expand…
Source:  Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
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Project-IconDevelopment of a gas burner that lowers nitric oxide emissions and saves energy
A gas burner was to be developed for the glass melting process which achieved significant energy savings and NOx reductions.
Under the project a burner with a free gas flow and low turbulence combustion was developed which is adjustable in both the horizontal and vertical position, making it possible to create an ideal mixture of fuel gas and combustion air.
The temperature of the flame can be lowered with the burner, reducing NOx emissions from 2000mg/Nm³ to 800 to 500mg/Nm³ depending on the type of furnace, and at the same time improving the melting efficiency. This made a complex conversion of the furnace or downstream flue gas treatment to reduce NOx emissions unnecessary. Expand…
Source:  Software & Technologie Glas GmbH Cottbus (STG GmbH Cottbus)
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73 information in Stones & Soils
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