In the beneficiation of coal, the common medium for upgrading the mined coal is water. The end products of coal beneficiation are generally three materials; (1) the clean coal, (2) coarsely sized waste product, and (3) a finely sized waste product. As the need for cleaner coal increases, the amount of waste products generated also increases and the importance of safe, environmentally acceptable disposal of these wastes becomes more important. Generally, the coarse refuse (plus 28 mesh) can be disposed of safely because it is a solid with inherent engineering properties that can be utilized in engineered structures. However, the fine refuse (minus 28 mesh) generally exists as a water-based slurry devoid of significant engineering properties that can be employed in engineering disposal methods. The objective of this study is to ascertain some physical/chemical properties of a diverse sampling of fine coal refuse and to investigate the effect of chemical stabilization. This study indicated that chemical stabilization can be employed to drastically improve some physical/chemical properties of the fine refuse for better handling and disposal. The proprietary chemical, Calcilox(Trademark) additive, is the most effective over the range of samples tested. Portland Type I cement is also effective but greatly influenced by waste solids concentration. The final chemical tested, lime, is inferior to the other two chemicals and generally ineffective in improving the fine waste's physical/chemical properties.

"Final report, July 1, 1977 to June 15, 1978"--Added title page. "Dravo Corporation." "January 1979." Includes bibliographical references (page 25). "EPA/DoE interagency agreement no. DXE685AK, program element no. EHE623A." "Contract number ET-79-11270 (formerly USBM contract number J0177050)"--Added title page. "FE-11270-1"--Cover.