The disposition of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) incorporating industrial symbiosis

The feasibility of using industrial symbiosis for solid waste disposal was explored via a regional industrial symbiosis case that recycled chromite ore processing residue (COPR) in the sintering, iron-making and steel-making process. The process was analyzed from three aspects: the reduction rate of Cr(VI) in chromium slag, the utilization of effective components and the environmental benefits. We found through experimental research and Sankey diagram analysis that the comprehensive reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) was as high as 98.41%, and only 1.59% of Cr(VI) got into the dedusting system and the water quenching system. This showed that the method of recycling COPR in the sintering, iron-making and steel-making process as a replacement for dolomite to reduce Cr(VI) is feasible and effective. Components of COPR such as elemental chromium, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and ferric oxide were all used effectively, while the rest of COPR ended up in the slag and was then disposed of. The method solved the problem that the COPR need to be landfillect after dry-detoxification due to the formation of a symbiosis chain among chromic chemical plants, steel mills and cement plants. The main factors affecting waste disposal are environmental responsibility and economic cost, and the industrial symbiosis can be used as alternative way of waste disposal to achieve the balance between these factors. Industrial symbiosis can decrease the enterprise cost of waste disposal and fulfill the corporate environmental responsibility, so it can be used as an industrial waste processing method in a certain area to obtain a win win situation for both economic and environment benefit. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.