A critical review on metallurgical recovery of iron from iron ore tailings

Iron ore tailings (IOTs), specifically those generated from iron ore beneficiation plants, present notable challenges to both the environment and economic sustainability. Recognized as precious secondary resources, IOTs encapsulate recoverable metals such as Cu and Fe, juxtaposed with harmful elements like Pb and Cr, necessitating a meticulous approach towards their recycling and purification to harness potential benefits optimally, as opposed to unprocessed disposal. Although numerous literatures have reviewed the treatment methods of IOTs, this article is distinguished by its provision of a novel evaluative perspective. The chemical and physical properties of iron ore tailings are comprehensively examined in this review, and various beneficiation and metallurgical recovery techniques such as flotation, magnetic separation, leaching, and magnetization roasting are rigorously evaluated. Effective strategies for enhancing the utilization efficiency of IOTs are thereby revealed. Special emphasis is placed on the common technical challenges and developmental bottlenecks encountered in the metallurgical processes, which have seldom been explored in depth in prior studies. In this synthesis, priority is assigned to cultivating a nuanced understanding of the intrinsic challenges and prospective trajectories pivotal to advancing the industrial application of IOTs, propelled by a commitment to fostering environmental integrity and economic viability in mining operations.