The resurgence of mining waste as a beacon of hope for both the environment and the mining industry is gaining momentum. With the global shift towards clean energy, the demand for minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt is expected to skyrocket, increasing by nearly 500 percent by 2050, according to the World Bank. This surge in demand underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to bridge the looming supply gap without further depleting our planet’s natural resources. One such solution lies in the remnants of past mining operations: tailings.
Tailings, the byproduct of mining processes, are now being viewed through a new lens as a valuable source of precious, critical, and strategic metals. The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia has estimated the value of these materials in global tailings at a staggering US$3.4 trillion. This revelation presents an unparalleled opportunity for the mining sector to tap into existing waste deposits as an alternative supply source, potentially revolutionizing resource recovery and mining practices.
The push towards re-mining and reprocessing tailings is not just about extracting valuable minerals; it’s a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. Technologies developed by companies like IMDEX are at the forefront of characterizing tailings deposits, enabling the extraction of valuable ores that were previously considered uneconomical or technologically unfeasible to recover. This approach not only promises to reduce the environmental footprint of mining but also aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.
Countries like Australia are leading the way in identifying and cataloging potential sources of critical minerals within their borders. The Australian Federal Government, in collaboration with several universities and Geoscience Australia, has released an Atlas of Australian Mine Waste, identifying over 1,050 sites that could contribute to the nation’s critical mineral supply. This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging the country’s vast resource sector for a net-zero future, transforming previously excavated rocks and earth into valuable resources.
The concept of giving new life to old mining towns through the reprocessing of tailings is gaining traction globally. Reprocessing not only recovers valuable materials left behind by past mining operations but also explores new uses for tailings, potentially transforming these liabilities into assets. Innovative research is underway to repurpose tailings into specialized building materials, offering environmental benefits and contributing to local economies.
Organizations like Regeneration are pioneering efforts to remine waste, capturing metals and minerals for reintroduction into the supply chain or repurposing them for alternative uses. This endeavor is supported by industry giants like Rio Tinto, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address the environmental impact of legacy mining sites. The ultimate goal is not just to remediate these areas but to foster a model where re-mining financially supports ecosystem restoration and community closure.
The movement towards re-mining and reprocessing tailings is emblematic of the mining industry’s evolving landscape. As the clean energy transition accelerates, the need for minerals will intensify, placing unprecedented pressure on supply chains. By turning to the mountains of waste left by previous generations of miners, the industry can meet this demand in a way that minimizes new environmental impacts and heals old wounds. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the clean energy transition but also paves the way for a more sustainable and responsible future in mining.
Source: Mining Review
