Colouring of dolomite, quartzite and dolerite mine dump rocks

Abstract

For environmental and aesthetic purposes it has become essential that mine dump rocks either blend into the environment or be used in the production of other products. Lately, there has been a constant need to produce more durable road and construction material and to develop an alternative for granite countertops and flooring. For the visibility of road surface material and the aesthetic aspect of countertops, the colouring of mine dump rocks was considered. A cost effective and environmentally friendly process was suggested to colour mine dump rocks. In this study different colouring agents for three mine dumping rocks, dolomite, quartzite and dolerite, were investigated. The aim was to create lasting colours that have a high wear resistance to weather conditions. Coloured dolomite can be used as road and construction material, coloured quartzite as countertops while coloured dolerite can serve as a replacement for road surfaces