According to estimates, there are thousands of gob piles in US coal-mining states that were left behind after former coal production operations were discontinued. They generally contain about 45% valuable residual coal, depending on their age and location. This is a natural resource that can be economically exploited as a fuel after sorting using our technology.

Right now it is a ticking ecological time bomb. The carbon contains oleaginous components (PAH). These environmental pollutants are washed out by rain and either seep into and pollute or contaminate the ground water below the gob piles or drain off via waterways and cause “yellow water”. Sulfur-containing compounds are formed that settle in the water and soil where they are dangerous for microorganisms, plants and animals. Environmental damage is therefore frequent and common near the gob piles and clean-up is time-consuming and costly.