Archive · 7 Sep 2026
NIT Rourkela Develops Coal-Waste Material for Stronger Roads
Researchers at NIT Rourkela found a possible new use for coal-mining waste.
They mixed coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder to make a strong composite material.
Coal mine parting is rock and other material removed from coal during mining.
The team believes this material could help build roads that carry heavy coal trucks.
Such roads can crack and wear out because of heavy and repeated traffic.
The idea could also reduce the amount of mining and industrial waste needing disposal.
The technology has received an Indian patent.
Researchers plan to test it in real roads through pilot-scale field trials.
NIT Rourkela researchers developed a composite using coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder.
The material is designed for roads in coal-mining regions exposed to heavy truck traffic and repeated loads.
Coal mine parting contains silica, alumina and clay minerals associated with strength and stiffness.
India produces around one billion tonnes of raw coal annually, with about 94% coming from surface mines.
The technology has received Patent No. 597749, while pilot-scale field trials are planned to assess durability.
- Who
- Researchers Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra and research scholar Dr. Subhasrita Chodhury from NIT Rourkela’s Department of Mining Engineering.
- What
- They developed a high-strength composite from coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder for possible use in road construction.
- When
- The articles do not provide a development date; pilot-scale field trials are planned.
- Where
- NIT Rourkela in Odisha, with potential use in coal-mining regions.
- Why
- To create stronger roads for heavy truck traffic while finding a productive use for mining and industrial waste.
- Research institution
- National Institute of Technology Rourkela
- Composite ingredients
- Coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder
- Potential application
- Road construction in coal-mining regions
- India’s annual raw coal production
- Around one billion tonnes
- Surface-mining share
- Approximately 94% of India’s raw coal production
- Patent
- Patent No. 597749, under Application No. 202331070306
- Next step
- Pilot-scale field trials to assess long-term strength and durability