This review presents a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in treatment technologies and resource utilization strategies for mine tailings, and highlights the funding support provided by Hunan Province, China for scientific and technological innovation in the field. The work begins by examining the environmental risks associated with mine tailings, emphasizing their potential to cause ecological damage and result in significant resource waste. Building on this context, the review delves into the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of tailings, elucidating how these intrinsic properties underpin their potential for recycling and valorization. Subsequently, it explores a range of resource utilization approaches, including the recovery of valuable metals, land reclamation, backfilling of abandoned mining voids, and the production of construction materials. The current state of application and the key technical and regulatory challenges faced during implementation are critically analyzed. In conclusion, the review highlights the progress made in tailings management and valorization in Hunan Province, China, and proposes a forward-looking strategy that integrates technological innovation with policy and regulatory support to promote sustainable development in the region.
Xiao-ling et al. (2025) studied this question.