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What is in a Coal Mine Waste Impoundment?

In addition to fine coal and waste rock, here is a partial list of typical products used in coal prep plants (much like the plant at Martin County Coal Company):

  • Anionic flocculants - work with negatively charged ions
  • Cationic flocculants - work with positively charged ions
  • Reagent flocculants
  • Lime
  • Natural and modified starches
  • Caustic starch
  • Sulfuric acid - pH adjuster
  • Alum (aluminum sulfate) - pH adjuster
  • Anhydrous ammonia
Reportedly, Martin County Coal Company used the following in their prep plant:

  • Anionic flocculant



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