Tailings Recycling Technology: Revitalizing Tungsten and Iron Tailings

A large number of historical tailings are piled up globally, occupying land, posing environmental risks, and wasting valuable mineral resources. For tailings processing enterprises, efficient tailings recycling is key to improving competitiveness.

With years of mining experience, Xinhai Mining has mature technical advantages and integrated EPC + operation services. We have successfully delivered two benchmark projects: a 600,000 t/a iron tailings project in Hainan, China, and a 1,000,000 t/a tungsten tailings project in Uzbekistan, turning waste tailings into valuable assets through professional recycling technology.

Let’s take a closer look at these two projects.

Hainan 600,000 t/a Iron Tailings Project

1. Project Background

This project is built based on the abundant iron tailings resources of the local Shilu Iron Mine. The entire production line has an annual tailings processing capacity of 5 million tons, among which Xinhai independently undertakes the EPC + 5-year operation general contracting business of the 600,000 t/a grinding and magnetic separation section, focusing on the recovery and purification of iron minerals.

2. Core Process

Combined with raw material characteristics, a combined process of crushing and screening + grinding and magnetic separation + thickening and dewatering is adopted, integrating wet and dry production. Equipped with intelligent control and closed-loop sewage recycling systems, it recovers iron concentrate and simultaneously produces machine-made sand, coarse aggregate, and industrial ore powder, maximizing tailings utilization.

3. Technological Breakthroughs

• Optimized process adaptation to stabilize high-capacity production despite fluctuating feed particle size;

• Customized magnetic separation technology, stably producing 53–60 grade high-value iron concentrate;

• Complete environmental protection facilities, with over 95% water recycling rate and dust emissions below international standards.

4. Project Significance

This project realizes full utilization of iron tailings, creates stable output value and jobs, drives industrial chain development, and sets a replicable model for global large-scale iron tailings recycling.

Uzbekistan 1,000,000 t/a Tungsten Tailings Project

1. Project Background

This project focuses on 8 million tons of historical tungsten tailings in Uzbekistan—legacy solid waste from old mines with low grade and high separation difficulty, long idle. Large-scale secondary recycling reactivates this strategic tungsten resource.

2. Core Process

After multiple tests, the "gravity separation as main, concentrate regrinding flotation as auxiliary" process was determined. Direct slurry feeding avoids full tailings grinding; matched with small ball mills and flotation equipment, it simplifies processes and controls energy consumption and costs.

3. Technological Breakthroughs

• Optimized separation scheme through multiple tests (spiral chute, shaking table, magnetic separation, flotation) to solve low-grade tungsten separation difficulties;

• Adjusted reagent ratio and parameters to improve metal recovery rate;

• Provided full EPC services (test, design, equipment, installation, automation) to control project quality and progress.

4. Project Significance

It revitalizes overseas strategic tungsten resources, eases regional raw material supply pressure, and provides a replicable solution for low-grade polymetallic tailings in Central Asia, demonstrating Xinhai’s international technical strength in tailings recycling.

Xinhai’s Core Competitiveness in Tailings Processing

• Customized Process: Flexibly match magnetic/gravity/flotation processes according to tailings type, grade, and particle size, adapting to complex mine conditions.

• Full Industrial Chain Services: Integrated services from test, design, equipment supply to installation and operation, ensuring efficient project landing.

• Rich Practical Experience: Familiar with global mine standards, with domestic and overseas project experience to avoid risks and ensure stable operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do low-grade tailings have recycling value?

Yes. With optimized modern combined processes, low-grade tailings can recover valuable minerals; combined with sand/powder production, it brings stable benefits and realizes resource monetization.

Q2: Are environmental approval requirements high for tailings projects?

We design projects in line with international environmental standards, with supporting sewage/dust control facilities, ensuring smooth approval and compliant production.

Q3: How long is the tailings EPC project delivery cycle?

Short—mature processes, compact layout, no large-scale civil engineering; fast design, customized equipment, and cross construction ensure quick commissioning and payback.

Conclusion

The two benchmark projects (iron and tungsten tailings) fully demonstrate Xinhai’s professional strength in tailings recycling technology. In the future, we will continue to provide customized tailings recycling technology and full-process EPC services to help global tailings processing enterprises turn waste tailings into valuable assets. Contact Xinhai via WhatsApp +8613811510145 if you have tailings to process.