https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.014
Published: Kem. Ind. 74 (11-12) (2025) 507–515
Paper reference number: KUI-14/2025
Paper type: Review
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Metallurgical Waste – Challenges and Solutions for Management

A. Štrkalj, Z. Glavaš, I. Bulić and M. Lončar

Abstract

The metallurgical industry is a major source of industrial waste; however, a significant portion of this material can be reused rather than be disposed of in landfills. This paper focuses on non-hazardous types of metallurgical waste, including blast furnace slag and dust, steelmaking slag, and waste foundry sand. Their properties, formation processes, and potential applications across different industries are analysed. Blast furnace and steelmaking slag are widely utilised in construction, road building, and cement production, while waste foundry sand can be used in land reclamation and other construction activities. Research further indicates that these materials can enhance soil properties, such as stability, load-bearing capacity, and fertility, making them suitable for agricultural use and the ecological restoration of degraded land. By repurposing these materials, the demand for natural resource extraction is reduced and environmental impact is minimised, contributing to more sustainable waste management. Instead of relying on traditional disposal methods, this study proposes approaches to valorise these materials, thereby supporting the development of a circular economy and environmentally responsible industrial production.

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Keywords

metallurgy, waste, sustainable management