Mining waste to be substitute for construction work

As much as 50,000 tonnes of mining waste extracted from Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) will shortly be a substitute for some construction materials.

According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Dayanand Sagar Engineering College and the KIOCL on Wednesday, the mining waste ruining the Lakya dam will be experimented to be used as a substitute for the construction purpose.

Dayanand Sagar Engineering College Civil Engineering Department head H K Ramaraju told DH, “The mining waste from Kudremukh has a lot of steel content. This is the same material used to manufacture iron. So, this steel is the same steel that we use in construction. Now, the biggest challenge here is to make this mining waste an effective source for the construction material. This could be a substitute for anything - either cement, mud, sand or even for the steel. A study will be conducted in this regard and we hope to explore a cost-effective method in construction.”

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of a regional workshop on ‘Engineering Challenges Related to the Concept of New Materials in Construction Industry’ organised to mark the the 158 birth anniversary of engineer-statesman Sir M Visvesvaraya.

Beside this, the MoU also includes training, internship programmes for engineering students, laboratory facility for research work, community oriented service and training to the KIOCL staffers on occupational safety.

“This is like a give and take policy by our college and KIOCL. We will also provide health and environmental assistance to the KIOCL staff in pursuing higher education and doctoral research etc,” he added.

“This memorandum will also help in developing the Lakya dam as a tourist destination as tonnes of mining waste will be cleared in the coming days,” he said.