Introducing ore-sand: a potential solution to global sustainability crises of sand and mine tailings

Speaker:  Dr Artem Golev

Abstract: Sand is one of the world’s most exploited natural resources and its extraction from rivers and nearshore environments poses a sustainability problem that will only get worse. At the same time, the world’s largest stream of waste – mineral waste from the mining of metal ores – might provide a solution to this challenge with the majority often comprised of sand-like materials. Separating and repurposing these sand-like materials (before they are added to the waste stream) would not only significantly reduce the volume of waste being generated but could also create a responsible source of sand. The aim of this presentation is to overview global opportunities with ore-sands, and present the findings from a 12-month project, using Vale sand (a by-product from iron ore mining in Brazil) as a case-study.

Bio: Dr Artem Golev has a multidisciplinary background in Economics, Engineering and Environmental Science, and 20 years’ experience in the minerals industry and academia. Throughout his career, he has been investigating various technical and non-technical aspects of Industrial Ecology and Circular Economy. In particular, in relation to mining, industrial, and urban waste reuse, reprocessing, and recycling, also in conjunction with mined land rehabilitation and broader issues of sustainability. Artem is currently part of the Development Minerals Group at SMI.