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| Arizona Copper Mine |
The University of Arizona has launched a groundbreaking research initiative to reprocess Arizona's copper mine tailings, which could potentially recover critical minerals such as arsenic, zinc, and tungsten. Funded with $3.6 million by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), the project aims to convert billions of tonnes of mine waste into a domestic resource, reducing environmental risks while boosting the U.S. supply of essential materials.
Turning Mine Waste Into a Resource for Critical Minerals
Copper mine tailings, historically viewed as a waste byproduct, now represent a potential treasure trove of critical minerals. With Arizona accumulating more than 17.5 billion tonnes of mine waste, this initiative led by Dr. Isabel Barton, Associate Professor of Mining Engineering, seeks to assess the feasibility of recovering valuable elements from these deposits. Among the critical minerals targeted are arsenic, zinc, and possibly tungsten, all of which are essential for U.S. industries like electronics, defense, and energy.
The project combines advanced techniques like remote sensing, mineral characterization, and techno-economic analysis to determine the economic viability of reprocessing these tailings. Dr. Barton emphasizes that the research could help reduce the U.S. reliance on foreign mineral supplies while addressing the environmental hazards associated with arsenic and other hazardous elements found in the tailings.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Reprocessing Tailings
Arizona’s copper mine tailings are accumulating at an alarming rate of 100 million metric tons per year, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The reprocessing of these tailings could not only reduce environmental risks but also help recover critical elements needed for the U.S. economy. Arsenic, for example, is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), even though it has a history of being seen as a hazardous substance. The ability to extract arsenic domestically would help mitigate the U.S.’s 100% reliance on imports for this vital material.
By recharacterizing tailings and using advanced extraction methods such as magnetic separation and leaching, the research team aims to identify economically recoverable minerals. The project’s ultimate goal is to determine whether reprocessing these tailings could be a cost-effective method of addressing both environmental and supply chain challenges.
Industry Reactions and Workforce Implications
The initiative is part of a broader trend recognizing the geopolitical risks of the U.S.’s reliance on foreign mineral sources. As Dr. Barton points out, the demand for industrial minerals is increasing, and the U.S. must adapt to meet these growing needs. Moreover, the project is seen as an opportunity to revitalize the U.S. mining sector, attracting a new generation of mining engineers, metallurgists, and geologists to the field.
The University of Arizona’s efforts highlight the importance of securing critical minerals for national security while ensuring sustainable practices in the mining industry. The successful recovery of materials from mine tailings could serve as a model for other regions with similar mineral waste challenges, making the U.S. more self-sufficient in its mineral production.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The University of Arizona’s research initiative to recover critical minerals from copper mine tailings could significantly reduce the U.S.'s reliance on foreign supplies. This project highlights the growing importance of circular economy practices and sustainable mineral recovery methods, which are vital to strengthening national security and reducing environmental impacts.
