TRANSFORMING MINING WASTE INTO FERTILIZERS: SUBSTITUTION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID WITH SLIMES

Abstract

Phosphate rocks exhibit diverse characteristics that influence their processing technologies and the nature of the resulting waste. Each phosphate rock type, as highlighted by Pierre Becker, undergoes unique behaviors during grinding, necessitating tailored processing approaches depending on its origin (Pereira, 2013). The variability in waste composition further reflects these differences, influenced by both the rock's origin and the processing methods employed. The Taïba mine exemplifies this diversity, generating vast quantities of varied mining waste. This waste not only signifies a substantial loss of potential value, primarily phosphorus, but also occupies significant agricultural, pastoral, and forestry lands in the Mboro-Darou region. This has resulted in widespread land degradation, environmental degradation, and associated health concerns (Calba et al., 2008). Meanwhile, at the ICS mine, slimes from phosphate rock processing present specific challenges and opportunities in waste management and resource utilization. These slimes