ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - April 2010
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE MARBLE INDUSTRY
In Turkey, the natural stone reserve is estimated to be approximately 7 billion cubic meters. Marble is defined as limestone that has undergone metamorphism under high temperature and pressure. In industrial terms, marble refers to all natural stones that can be processed, polished, shine, be dimensioned, or used for decorative purposes. Currently, there are marble quarries operating in 33 provinces of the country, and approximately 50 different types of marble are extracted from these quarries. There are over 200 companies involved in quarry operations and marble manufacturing, and this number continues to grow.
The marble industry holds significant importance within Elazığ as well. Many companies in our province are actively engaged in the marble sector professionally. Elazığ cherry marble, which is a region-specific product, is world-renowned. Today, we will approach this vast industry from a different angle. For a sustainable future, a by-product from one industry is used as raw material in another. Could the waste from the marble industry be used as raw material in the concrete industry?
Marble is a type of mineral found in areas close to the Earth's surface. In quarries, marble is cut into 15-20 ton blocks using various methods and transported to workshops and factories for processing. In processing plants, they are cut into various sizes and thicknesses. The cutting process is carried out with the aid of water to prevent the cutter from heating up and to minimize dust formation. Thus, the dust combined with water forms “waste marble slurry,” which is either discarded as is or, after the water is removed in a treatment facility, released into the environment.
The disposal of this material in the environment can have detrimental effects on public health. Typically, businesses collect this waste in a pool, and when the slurry dries, it is transported by trucks to areas far from residential locations. This waste has become a significant problem for businesses. They often face conflicts with public institutions regarding environmental health. Since it is constantly increasing, the storage of this waste is impossible for businesses, and its recycling would result in major environmental, health, and economic benefits.
Annually, approximately 1,000,000 tons of marble waste are generated. Due to this waste, some countries, such as Italy, have had to limit their marble production. Waste marble slurry can be transformed into marble powder with minimal mechanical force. Marble powder can be used in various industries, including paper, paint, plastics, ceramics, glass, agriculture, animal feed production, lime, and steel production. However, in these areas, marble powder is generally used after undergoing some physical and chemical treatments, which creates an economic burden for the manufacturer.
At this point, the concrete industry comes into focus. Concrete is considered the second most consumed liquid in the world after water. Therefore, the materials used in concrete production have a high market demand. Research conducted at the Department of Civil Engineering and Structural Materials Laboratory at Fırat University has shown that merely drying marble powder and applying minimal physical force to turn it into powder is sufficient for use in cement-based products, and it can be economically viable for the concrete industry.
These studies from our university have been presented in national and international academic forums, accepted, and have been included in the literature. The marble powder used in concrete under the name of Elazığ cherry marble has been recognized in international scientific journals. If you search for marble powder, concrete, and Fırat University (marble powder, concrete mix design, Firat University) on search engines, you will find our department’s studies at the top of the list.
The practical application of marble powder concerns both the marble and ready-mix concrete industries. The Civil Engineering Department has shared these studies with both sectors. For Elazığ and even for our country, the issue involves both environmental health and economic gains. Today, through Günışığı newspaper, we wish to share this matter once again with the public.
We know that marble powder is a problem for marble companies as waste. However, it could be a solution to many challenges faced by ready-mix concrete companies. Marble powder can improve the workability and strength of concrete. Given that our country lies in one of the most earthquake-prone regions, the quality of concrete under seismic conditions is of utmost importance. The university has fulfilled its role in this matter, and research continues. The private sector's initiative will allow the waste to be converted into profit.
Waste is a global problem, not just Turkey’s. To find solutions to the waste issue, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey has established the Waste Exchange, where waste data from all over the country is collected in hopes of turning these wastes into economic assets. Let’s take action for Elazığ. Marble companies, ready-mix concrete companies, and all institutions and organizations related to the environment are part of the problem and solution regarding marble powder. If we can recycle, let’s not throw our money away. We too can produce, and we too can run…
"In the global arena, those who follow innovations walk, but those who create innovations run."