It is understood that in the coal production process, the output of coal gangue is enormous; the Danhou Coal Mine alone generates more than 300,000 tons of coal gangue each year. To solve the problems of coal gangue occupying large areas of land and polluting the environment, Weizhou Mining began in 2011 to invest more than 77 million yuan in launching a coal gangue brick factory project at Danhou Coal Mine. In April this year, the first phase of the project was fully put into operation, successfully turning coal gangue into standard bricks, porous bricks, large-hole bricks, load-bearing blocks and other new building materials. These new building material products, with seismic resistance, compressive strength and frost resistance all superior to traditional clay bricks, quickly entered the building materials markets of nearby Yu County, Huailai, Zhuolu and other areas, generating considerable economic benefits.

　　It is understood that Weizhou Mining's project of using coal gangue to produce new building materials involves fully automatic mechanical operation, with 100% zero discharge of wastewater, waste gas and waste residue, achieving green and sustainable development. According to estimates, the project can produce 60 million unfired bricks per year, consume 170,000 tons of coal gangue annually, and save 70 mu of land otherwise occupied by coal gangue. Because it eliminates processes such as soaking and firing compared with traditional clay bricks, it can save 14,000 tons of water and more than 8,400 tons of standard coal equivalent per year.

　　According to reports, the second phase of the project will also build an advanced production line with an annual output of 60 million bricks, expected to be completed and put into operation in 2014. By then, the company's annual coal gangue consumption capacity will reach 340,000 tons, all the coal gangue generated by Danhou Coal Mine each year can be fully consumed, and 140 mu of land otherwise occupied by coal gangue will be saved.