Transforming Pollution into Art: The Innovative Approach to Cleaning Up Abandoned Coal Mines

Introduction

When a coal mine shuts down, the repercussions extend far beyond the closure itself. The toxic waste left behind continues to flow for decades, contaminating rivers and posing a severe threat to aquatic life. However, in the midst of this environmental crisis, a team of innovators has developed a method to not only contain the pollution but to transform it into something unexpected – paint.

The Problem of Abandoned Coal Mines

The remnants of abandoned coal mines pose a significant environmental challenge. Once a coal mine is closed, it often fills up with water, leading to the creation of highly acidic runoff known as acid mine drainage (AMD). This toxic cocktail of chemicals, including iron oxide, leaks into surrounding water sources, endangering aquatic ecosystems and communities downstream. The detrimental effects of AMD persist for decades, making it a pressing issue that demands innovative solutions.

Pine Run: Harvesting Iron Oxide from Pollution

In Ohio, at Pine Run Creek, Michelle Shively McIver and John Sabra, along with their dedicated team, have been tackling the issue of acid mine drainage for over a decade. They have developed a system of pipes to collect AMD, a smelly goo that results from the highly acidic water leaking from an old coal mine that closed over a century ago. The challenge lies in the fact that sealing these mines completely is nearly impossible.

The team's innovative approach involves harvesting iron oxide, a byproduct of AMD, and turning it into pigment for paint. This seemingly counterintuitive solution addresses both the pollution issue and the need for sustainable resources. The iron oxide, which can be lethal to aquatic life, is transformed into a valuable asset.

Harvesting Iron Oxide: The Process

On harvest day, the team collects over 200 pounds of iron oxide, which is more than the mine site produces in a single day. The collected material is then transported to a research facility where engineers wash the pigment to remove impurities affecting the final color. The pigment is dried before being sent to a kiln in Portland, Oregon, where it undergoes a color transformation based on temperature control.

True Pigments: From Pollution to Paint

True Pigments, the company founded by Michelle and John, partners with Gamblin Artists Colors in Portland, Oregon, to turn the harvested iron oxide into paint. The collaboration results in a range of colors, including the striking "iron violet." The process involves mixing the pigment with zinc and flax oil, using heat and pressure to combine them. The final product undergoes testing for thickness, texture, and color before being bottled and marketed as reclaimed Earth colors.

The Impact of Reclaimed Colors

Gamblin Artists Colors markets the paint as reclaimed Earth colors, emphasizing the sustainable and environmentally friendly nature of the product. Painters across the country have embraced these new colors, sharing their creations on social media using the hashtag #reclaimedcolor. While True Pigments currently cannot harvest enough iron oxide to clean up an entire stream, their plans for expansion could significantly impact one of Ohio's most polluted acid mine sites by 2024.

Scaling Up for a Greater Impact

True Pigments aims to open a larger facility, allowing them to harvest more iron oxide and clean the water at a larger scale. This expansion would not only contribute to cleaning up polluted sites but would also provide raw materials for various products beyond paints. Construction materials, concrete, bricks, industrial coatings, agricultural fertilizer, and cosmetics are among the many possibilities.

Sustainability in Practice

Michelle emphasizes the sustainability of their method, comparing it to traditional mining. While abandoned coal mines cover nearly 10,000 square miles across the United States, the team sees the vast amount of iron oxide as an opportunity rather than a problem. By treating this resource with care, they believe it can be a valuable asset, providing a sustainable solution to a detrimental environmental issue.

Conclusion

The innovative approach of turning pollution into art, as demonstrated by Michelle Shively McIver, John Sabra, and their team at True Pigments, offers a ray of hope in the battle against the environmental consequences of abandoned coal mines. By transforming toxic waste into valuable pigments for paint, they not only address the pollution issue but also provide a sustainable alternative to traditional mining practices. As True Pigments looks to scale up its operations, the potential to make a broader impact on cleaning up polluted sites and providing raw materials for various industries becomes increasingly promising. In a world facing environmental challenges, this creative solution serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity in turning environmental liabilities into assets.