Abstract Mining plays a fundamental role in the Brazilian economy, with iron ore being the natural resource with the greatest contribution. Its beneficiation generates by-products, such as tailings, which have no economic value and are stored in dams or piles, generating environmental impacts and safety risks. In this context, the generation and management of these tailings is a significant challenge, especially in countries with extensive mining activity. The objective of this article is to analyze the generation of tailings and their impacts, identify the challenges in management, and explore possible sustainable applications. The methodology includes a literature review on the topic and an analysis of case studies, as well as the investigation of reuse techniques, such as the incorporation of tailings in concrete, pavements, and ceramics. The results indicate the potential for tailings reuse. Studies point to the production of construction materials and soil improvement, among others, contributing to the reduction of waste accumulation and the exploitation of raw materials. The management of iron ore tailings has involved practices to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure safety, such as tailings dewatering, dry stacking, and revalorization techniques focused on reuse, in addition to monitoring of deposits and the application of regulations enforced by Brazilian legislation. However, there are technical challenges related to the variability in the properties of the tailings due to the different processes they undergo in the beneficiation plant, which hinders their large-scale application, in addition to the need to demystify the infeasibility of reuse. In conclusion, the management and reuse of iron ore tailings are essential to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainability in mining. It is fundamental to invest in research and technological innovations to overcome the technical challenges and ensure the efficient application of these tailings.
Aredes et al. (Mon,) studied this question.