Advancing Tailings Reprocessing: Pilot-Scale Sulphide Recovery and Mechanochemical Leaching for Sustainable Resource Recovery

This chapter explores the advancements in tailings reprocessing through pilot-scale sulphide recovery and mechanochemical leaching, focusing on the Cantung mine in Canada. The study highlights the environmental challenges posed by mine tailings, particularly acid mine drainage (AMD), and the potential for resource recovery from historical tailings. Key topics include the effectiveness of flotation in separating sulphide-rich material, the optimization of reagent consumption, and the enhancement of tungsten recovery through mechanochemical leaching. The results demonstrate over 90% sulphur recovery, significantly reducing AMD risks, and improved metal extraction efficiencies. The chapter also discusses the operational challenges and solutions encountered during pilot-scale testing, emphasizing the importance of steady-state conditions and real-time monitoring. The findings lay the groundwork for future optimization and scale-up, reinforcing tailings reprocessing as a sustainable strategy for environmental protection and resource recovery.