Research Progress on the Comprehensive Utilization of Granite Processing Solid Waste

The processing of granite, an essential construction material, generates substantial quantities of solid waste, including stone powder, sawing slurry, and offcut scraps. Conventional disposal methods, primarily large−scale and centralized stockpiling, not only result in the loss of valuable components but also precipitate significant environmental issues such as land occupation, soil compaction, and water pollution. To achieve the objectives of waste reduction, resource recovery, and high−value utilization, current research predominantly focuses on two key strategies: (1) valuable mineral recovery and (2) preparation of building materials. In the realm of mineral recovery, techniques such as gravity separation, magnetic separation, and flotation are employed to isolate valuable minerals (e.g., mica, feldspar, quartz, and kaolinite) from the waste, thereby mitigating the pressure on virgin mineral resource extraction. Concurrently, in the domain of building material preparation, the fine powder fraction can be utilized to produce bricks, aerated blocks, geopolymers, glass−ceramics, and ceramics. The coarse−grained scraps can serve as a substitute for coarse aggregates in the production of low−cost, high−performance concrete. While mineral recovery addresses the challenges of selective utilization, the holistic preparation of building materials represents an effective pathway for the large−scale consumption of this solid waste. However, this approach necessitates quality−based sorting for targeted applications and must be carefully managed to prevent secondary pollution.