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The U.S. spent $31.8 billion fixing roads in 2011. New research using mining waste from Minnesota might be able to reduce that hefty annual cost for taxpayers.

Taconite mining waste, known as tailings, has regularly been used as ballast in railroad beds. 

But now, researcher Larry Zanko tells MPR News host Tom Weber about a potentially groundbreaking experiment underway on a road just outside of Anchorage, Alaska where taconite is helping to reduce wear, tear and maintenance costs.

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The U.S. spent $31.8 billion fixing roads in 2011. New research using mining waste from Minnesota might be able to reduce that hefty annual cost for taxpayers.


The U.S. spent $31.8 billion fixing roads. New research using mining waste from Minnesota might be able to reduce that hefty annual cost for taxpayers.

A new use for taconite waste: building roads

Old tailings from LTV mine sit below the lake.

Boring, but important: New use for taconite waste in the works

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