Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia

• Author(s): Mohammed Naveed Azad
• Paper ID: 1719663
• Page: 1016-1027
• Published Date: 10-07-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 10 Issue 1 July-2026

Abstract

This review examines the circular use of mining raw materials through recovery of valuable minerals from tailings and fine particles in Saudi Arabia. The paper follows recent review-paper conventions by combining structured literature selection, technology comparison, and Saudi-specific interpretation. Tailings are no longer treated only as liabilities; they are secondary resource bodies containing residual phosphates, base metals, rare earth elements, gold-associated minerals, barite, manganese, and other value carriers that may support Vision 2030 industrial diversification. Drawing on studies published between 2020 and 2025, the review evaluates fine-particle beneficiation, flotation re-cleaning, gravity and magnetic pre-concentration, hydrometallurgical leaching, bioleaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, dewatering, and residue valorisation. The aim is to propose a practical, staged framework for Saudi mines, where mineralogical characterization is linked to water-efficient processing, environmental risk reduction, and downstream industrial use. The paper argues that the strongest opportunity is not a single recovery technology, but an integrated geometallurgical pathway that grades tailings, identifies recoverable mineral phases, selects low-water separation options, and converts final residues into safer construction, backfill, or rehabilitation materials. The review concludes with research priorities for pilot testing, digital tailings inventories, life-cycle assessment, and investment decision rules.

Keywords

Tailings Reprocessing, Critical Minerals, Fine Particles, Saudi Arabia, Circular Economy, Hydrometallurgy, Flotation, Vision 2030

Citations

IRE Journals:
Mohammed Naveed Azad "Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 1 2026 Page 1016-1027

IEEE:
Mohammed Naveed Azad "Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026

APA:
Mohammed Naveed Azad (2026). Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(1).

MLA:
Mohammed Naveed Azad "Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026.

BibTeX

@article{1719663,
author = {Mohammed Naveed Azad},
title = {Circular Use of Mining Raw Materials: Recovery of Valuable Minerals from Tailings and Fine Particles in Saudi Arabia},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {1016-1027},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719663.pdf},
abstract = {This review examines the circular use of mining raw materials through recovery of valuable minerals from tailings and fine particles in Saudi Arabia. The paper follows recent review-paper conventions by combining structured literature selection, technology comparison, and Saudi-specific interpretation. Tailings are no longer treated only as liabilities; they are secondary resource bodies containing residual phosphates, base metals, rare earth elements, gold-associated minerals, barite, manganese, and other value carriers that may support Vision 2030 industrial diversification. Drawing on studies published between 2020 and 2025, the review evaluates fine-particle beneficiation, flotation re-cleaning, gravity and magnetic pre-concentration, hydrometallurgical leaching, bioleaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, dewatering, and residue valorisation. The aim is to propose a practical, staged framework for Saudi mines, where mineralogical characterization is linked to water-efficient processing, environmental risk reduction, and downstream industrial use. The paper argues that the strongest opportunity is not a single recovery technology, but an integrated geometallurgical pathway that grades tailings, identifies recoverable mineral phases, selects low-water separation options, and converts final residues into safer construction, backfill, or rehabilitation materials. The review concludes with research priorities for pilot testing, digital tailings inventories, life-cycle assessment, and investment decision rules.},
keywords = {Tailings Reprocessing, Critical Minerals, Fine Particles, Saudi Arabia, Circular Economy, Hydrometallurgy, Flotation, Vision 2030},
month = {July}
}