Rourkela, 18 August 2026: Researchers from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have developed a patent-protected high-strength composite material based on coal-mining and industrial wastes. This new material can be utilised in the construction of strong and long-lasting roads.
These researchers have devised an innovative solution for two major problems:
- How to manage enormous amounts of mining and industrial wastes?
- Construction of roads capable of accommodating heavy traffic.
This innovative material has been patented by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Professor and Director; Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Professor; and Dr. Subhasrita Chodhury, Research Scholar, and PhD Graduate from the Department of Mining Engineering at NIT Rourkela. Patent No. 597749; Application No. 202331070306.
According to the report from the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, to fulfill the energy and industrial requirements of the country, about 1.00 billion tons of raw coal is mined in India every year, of which about 94% is from surface mining which generates a large amount of various types of waste. This includes coal parting material that comprises rock and other non-coal materials. Currently, using conventional methods to treat this waste will add to the burden on the environment.
The researchers at NIT Rourkela focused on the presence of silica and alumina, and clay minerals in coal mine partings, which can be utilised as construction materials. These clay minerals can develop high strength when combined with industrial additives. Understanding the capability of the composite, researchers designed other variants to understand the optimum combination of performance.
The research team explained the innovation. “The developed technology is applicable to the coal mining regions. These regions have heavy vehicle movement on roads carrying coal along with other mining materials. The roads are subjected to major transport and heavy loads. This results in an early breakdown of the roads,” said Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao.
Prof. Manoj Kumar Mishra described the technology and said,
“This technology is an excellent example of circular economy principle. Two bulky industrial wastes have been used to develop a resource of high engineering and economic value. It also provides a solution to the waste issue and enhances the development of a sustainable infrastructure.” To analyse the durability and strength of the material in real-life situations, the researchers are focusing on conducting field trials in the next phase.
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