Feasibility of Fine Classification in Processing Watered Coal Sludge from Storage: A Case Study of the Dnipro Coke Chemical Plant

The mining, metallurgical, and energy sectors are among the most significant branches of Ukraine’s economy, contributing substantially to national GDP and employment. However, these sectors are also major sources of environmental pollution, particularly through the generation of substantial volumes of liquid industrial waste. A notable portion of this waste includes fine-dispersed coal sludge from coke-chemical production, which poses serious risks to ecosystems and public health if not properly managed. This research addresses the urgent need for effective processing of such waste, demonstrating the feasibility and economic viability of obtaining marketable secondary products through advanced fine classification methods in the 0.05–0.1 mm fraction range, combined with simultaneous dewatering techniques. By implementing these technologies, it is possible to significantly reduce the accumulation of hazardous waste in storage facilities, thereby minimizing environmental damage and the associated long-term remediation costs. This approach contributes to the circular economy by recovering valuable resources from waste streams, thus enhancing the overall profitability and sustainability of industrial operations. The study underscores the importance of integrating low-waste technologies, efficient raw material utilization, and cross-sectoral cooperation to develop a modern system of waste management. Such integration ensures not only the minimization of environmental harm but also supports Ukraine’s transition towards more sustainable industrial practices and compliance with European environmental standards. The proposed solutions offer a practical pathway to achieving both ecological and economic resilience in the context of post-war recovery and industrial modernization.