Mining and refining of iron ore result in prodigious quantities of Iron
Ore Tailings (IOTs), necessitating urgent adoption of sustainable
management practices. Depleted iron ore reserves underscore the untapped
value of IOTs’ iron content. To minimize waste generation and optimize
resource utilization, efficient extraction of iron content from ores is
imperative. Accurate identification of ore seams during or before mining
mitigates gangue and waste accumulation, resulting in cost savings in
material processing, refining, transportation, and disposal. Recycling
IOTs from older processing lines into newer, more efficient ones
presents a promising avenue for sustainable resource utilization.
Available options for IOT reuse span various domains. IOTs serve as
building materials (bricks, cement, concrete), providing cost-effective
alternatives. Road construction, embankments, and structural fills
utilize IOTs as construction materials. Additionally, IOTs demonstrate
versatility in manufacturing processes, including ceramics, foam glass,
and geopolymer-based materials. Applications in paints, pigments,
slow-release fertilizers, and microcrystalline glass further expand the
scope of IOT utilization. This study highlights the urgency of IOT
reuse/recycling for environmental and economic reasons. It underscores
the wealth of available reuse options, emphasizing recycling’s pivotal
role in sustainable resource management. Examination of these potential
applications charts the course toward environmentally conscious and
economically viable management of IOTs.
Article
in AGU23 Website