Introducing ore-sand: a potential solution to global sustainability crises of sand and mine tailings

In this JKMRC Friday Seminar, Dr Artem Golev presents on ore-sand.

Sand is one of the world’s most exploited natural resources and its extraction from rivers and nearshore environments poses a sustainability problem that will only get worse. At the same time, the world’s largest stream of waste – mineral waste from the mining of metal ores – might provide a solution to this challenge with the majority often comprised of sand-like materials. Separating and repurposing these sand-like materials (before they are added to the waste stream) would not only significantly reduce the volume of waste being generated but could also create a responsible source of sand. The aim of this presentation is to overview global opportunities with ore-sands, and present the findings from a 12-month project, using Vale sand (a by-product from iron ore mining in Brazil) as a case-study.