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

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@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},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719663}
  }