Green rebirth of copper tailings: From environmental burden to efficient utilization strategies

Under the background of global vigorously developing circular economy, the problems of continuous development of copper ore resources and low comprehensive utilization of copper tailings are becoming increasingly serious, and the efficient utilization of copper tailings is an important guarantee to realize the sustainable development of mining enterprises. In order to systematically review and comprehensively evaluate the research progress of comprehensive utilization of copper tailings at home and abroad, this paper firstly introduces the overview and distribution of copper tailings as well as their basic characteristics and problems, and then discusses the comprehensive utilization of copper tailings and their applications, which mainly include the recovery of valuable components, backfilling of airspace areas, preparation of building materials, improvement of copper tailings and production of fertilizers. Finally, it puts forward the future development direction of copper tailings, focusing on the optimization of traditional utilization technology, the development of new ways of utilization and the combination of high‐efficiency utilization technology, etc. It puts forward the idea of establishing the system of “source technology innovation—product specification—policy incentives and support” to promote the transformation of the green mining industry from the theory to the industrial practice, and to realize the clean utilization of copper tailings resources. This will help to realize the clean utilization of copper tailings resources, reduce environmental pollution and ecological damage, and alleviate the pressure of copper tailings stockpiling.