Economic potential and environmental impact of metal recovery from copper slag flotation tailings

• DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.103232
• Publication Date: 2022-12-23T22:08:50Z
• Authors: Aleyna Gümüşsoy; Mikail Başyi̇ği̇t; Elif Uzun Kart
• Keywords: Copper slag; Slag (welding); Base metal; Resource Recovery

© 2022 Elsevier LtdCopper slag has long been the subject of metal recovery. However, it has become apparent that copper slag flotation tailings can meet resource requirements under certain circumstances. Besides copper, zinc and cobalt can also be obtained from slag tailings. This study investigated the potential of copper slag tailings alongside global metal supply and demand dynamics. It has been emphasized that, such as copper slag, slag tailings can be a new potential resource for global base metals, considering global and domestic copper production, consumption, and base metal prices. In addition, its economic and environmental sustainability was evaluated from a waste management perspective.