About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advances in Recycling and Environmental Technologies
|
| Presentation Title |
Opportunities of Upcycling Copper Mine Tailings Toward Sustainable Valorization |
| Author(s) |
Yixi Tian, Sophie Coppieters ’t Wallant, Elsa A. Olivetti |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yixi Tian |
| Abstract Scope |
Successful upcycling of industrial residues requires integrated valorization strategies. This work presents case studies on copper ore flotation tailings and slag tails, highlighting potential processing approaches for recovery supported by experimental data and economic estimations. Extracting critical metals through provides the highest value but often generates large volumes of residual waste. Acid-based leaching can alter residue properties, reducing their suitability for construction applications. When metal recovery is limited, tailings may be used directly as supplementary cementitious materials or in other civil engineering applications, which can consume larger volumes but may sacrifice the metal value obtained. CO2 mineralization offers another approach for tailings valorization aligned with decarbonization goals. We present preliminary insights into sustainable copper tailings management. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Extraction and Processing, Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Characterization |