Technogenic Waste in Backfill Composite Is a Paradigm of Circular Economy

The depletion of shallow coal reserves necessitates a shift from open-pit to underground mining, increasing the need for safe and efficient backfill systems. However, traditional backfill materials—especially cement—are costly and environmentally burdensome. To address this, our study explores a sustainable alternative using industrial waste, contributing to the principles of a circular economy. This research presents a novel backfill formulation that achieves full cement replacement through the use of fly ash, supplemented with nanocrystalline silica and glass fiber to enhance strength and setting dynamics. Eighteen sample sets were prepared for each composition, using consistent mixing, curing, and testing protocols. Mechanical strength was evaluated at multiple curing intervals alongside microstructural characterization using SEM and XRD. The results show that mixtures containing nanomodified silica and fiber exhibit significantly improved compressive, shear, and splitting strength—up to 40% higher than fly ash-only compositions. Microstructural analysis revealed accelerated C-S-H gel development, reduced porosity, and more uniform pore structures over time. These findings confirm the mechanical viability and economic potential of waste-based backfill systems. The proposed formulation enables safer underground operations, improved extraction efficiency, and reduced environmental impact—offering a scalable solution for modern coal mining.