This is an innovative solution that transforms an industrial by-product into a useful resource for mining activity, with both environmental and economic benefits, and lays the foundation for a replicable circular economy model in strategic sectors.
Fly ash generated in biomass plants after combustion is captured using filtration systems and electrostatic precipitators. Its usual destination is landfill disposal, with few options for recovery and reuse.
The project has shown that these ashes can be used as a cementing component in the preparation of filling pastes that are injected into underground chambers after mining extraction.
This practice improves the sustainability of the operation by reducing the consumption of virgin mineral resources and allows a second life to be given to a by-product of bioenergy.
Five years of work and technical validation
The initiative has been developed over the last five years in close collaboration between Magnon and the Sustainability and Circular Economy area of Sandfire Matsa, with the support of the University of Huelva and from accredited laboratories such as LOEMCO, Elabora y Cemosa.
Tests have validated that pastes formulated with biomass ash meet the technical and mechanical requirements demanded for use in underground mining, guaranteeing their long-term strength and durability.
The project has the relevant environmental authorizations granted by the Junta de Andalucía and is integrated into the industrial environment of Huelva, where Magnon operates several biomass-fired power generation plants.
This collaboration between the bioenergy and mining sectors demonstrates that it is possible to move towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly industrial model, taking advantage of territorial synergies and promoting innovation applied to sustainability.
The reuse of biomass ash in mining is a solution with high potential for replication in other regions and sectors. Its development reinforces the role of bioenergy within the circular economy and in reducing the environmental impact of other industrial activities.