Golden, Colorado, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Researchers at the Colorado School of Mines are innovating ways to repurpose mining tailings into valuable construction materials like geopolymer bricks and ceramic tiles. This initiative aims to enhance the domestic supply of critical minerals and advance sustainable practices within the mining industry. Guided by associate professor Reza Hedayat, the project addresses environmental concerns associated with tailings and looks to establish a circular economy that reduces waste while creating new economic opportunities.
Golden, Colorado – Researchers at the Colorado School of Mines are pioneering innovative methods to transform mining tailings – the waste material left after mineral extraction – into valuable construction materials, while aiming to bolster the domestic supply of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. This groundbreaking work tackles environmental challenges associated with tailings and promotes a more sustainable mining industry.
Under the guidance of associate professor Reza Hedayat, the focus is on creating products such as geopolymer bricks, lightweight aggregates, and ceramic tiles from tailings. Hedayat perceives tailings not only as a source of waste but as an opportunity to enhance mineral extraction processes and contribute to sustainable construction. Currently, over 90% of mined ore can end up in tailings, which more often than not are disposed of rather than repurposed.
The project underscores the vital connection between effective mineral recovery and the processing of tailings into construction materials. The dual-use approach envisioned by Hedayat includes the recovery of economically viable minerals from tailings while also reusing materials that cannot be extracted for their initial purpose. This approach has the potential to significantly strengthen the critical mineral supply chain and foster a circular economy by eliminating waste while creating new economic opportunities.
Environmental Impacts and Supply Chain Benefits
Mining companies often face scrutiny over the environmental impacts of their operations, particularly concerning tailings disposal. By creating a pathway to convert tailings into robust construction materials, the amount of new raw resources required is significantly reduced. This process also leads to lower carbon emissions and extends the lifecycle of existing materials.
Hedayat’s vision includes the establishment of local facilities adjacent to mining sites, which will facilitate the reuse of waste materials and enhance regional economic stimulus. The importance of this research is compounded by its recognition as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s initiative aimed at increasing domestic production of critical minerals through producing value-added products from mining waste.
The Role of Policy and Future Collaboration
To successfully implement these innovative ideas, collaboration across several sectors, including mining companies, academic institutions, and government agencies, will be essential. Policy support may be necessary to fund pilot projects and streamline operations that enhance integrated recovery and reuse of materials.
A recent study from the Colorado School of Mines reveals that the U.S. could meet a considerable portion of its critical mineral demand by adopting these recovery methods. The study elucidates that critical minerals crucial for modern technologies lie within processed ore, yet a majority ends up as waste in tailings. Currently, less than 10% of cobalt and less than 1% of germanium is being recovered from tailings, but advancements in recovery techniques could drastically improve supply avenues.
Future Outlook and the Importance of Sustainable Practices
With the current shift towards renewable energy technologies, reclaiming metals and minerals from mining waste not only aligns with national strategic interests but also supports sustainability goals. The current economic landscape presents challenges in recovering these valuable byproducts, necessitating further research and supportive policies to enhance viability and effectiveness.
As more attention turns towards sustainable sources of materials, the insights from Hedayat’s research provide hope for the substantial recovery of critical minerals from mining operations while ensuring that environmental responsibilities are upheld.
Summary of Key Features
- Research Institution: Colorado School of Mines
- Main Researcher: Reza Hedayat
- Focus: Transforming mining tailings into construction materials
- Key Products: Geopolymer bricks, lightweight aggregates, ceramic tiles
- Environmental Goal: Reduce carbon emissions, extend resource lifecycle
- Policy Needs: Support for pilot projects and collaborative efforts
- First Study Findings: Recovery of critical minerals from mining waste can significantly reduce reliance on imports
FAQ
What are mining tailings?
Mining tailings are waste materials generated from mining operations, consisting of leftover materials after mineral extraction.
Why are critical minerals important?
Critical minerals are essential for various technologies in energy, communication, defense, and medical fields, contributing significantly to modern infrastructure.
How can mine tailings be repurposed?
Mine tailings can be processed into high-value construction materials such as bricks, aggregates, and tiles, providing sustainable alternatives to new raw materials.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic system aimed at reducing waste and promoting the continual use of resources through recycling and repurposing materials.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Mines Newsroom: Reimagining Mine Waste
- Wikipedia: Mine Tailings
- Mining.com: America’s Critical Minerals in Mining Waste
- Google Search: Critical Minerals
- Earth.com: Buried Treasure in Critical Minerals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mining
- Chemistry World: Unrecovered Byproducts from US Mines
- Google Scholar: Mine Waste Critical Minerals
- Mining Technology: The Hidden Value of Mine Waste
- Google News: Mine Waste Recycling
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
