University of Arizona Research Aims to Turn Mine Waste into U.S. Critical Minerals Domestic Resource

Turning Arizona’s Copper Mine Waste into Critical Minerals

A new research project from the University of Arizona aims to tackle the rising demand for critical minerals. Funded with a $3.6 million grant from the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), the project focuses on reprocessing Arizona’s copper mine tailings to recover valuable materials like arsenic, zinc, and possibly tungsten. These minerals are essential for industries such as semiconductors, energy, and defense.

Led by Dr. Isabel Barton, Associate Professor of Mining Engineering, the project uses advanced techniques like geometallurgy and mineral characterization. The goal is to evaluate whether billions of tons of mine waste can be economically reprocessed. This initiative will reduce environmental risks and increase the U.S. domestic supply of critical minerals.

The Environmental and Economic Impact of Tailings Reprocessing

The University Tailings Center project is using a multi-faceted approach to assess the potential of Arizona’s copper mine tailings. Remote sensing, field sampling, and data-sharing with industry partners are helping uncover unexpected mineral occurrences. These efforts will help identify recoverable elements and minimize the environmental hazards of tailings.

Arizona’s copper mine tailings accumulate at a rate of 100 million metric tons per year, representing a largely untapped resource. The project aims to determine how much of these materials can be efficiently extracted. If successful, it could significantly contribute to a more sustainable and independent U.S. supply of critical metals.

Overcoming Historical Challenges in Arsenic and Mineral Recovery

Arsenic is a key focus of the research. It’s classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey and is essential for technologies such as semiconductors and solar panels. While arsenic’s toxicity has raised public concerns, the U.S. is fully dependent on imports of arsenic. Producing it domestically would strengthen national security.

Dr. Barton’s team has begun testing extraction methods like magnetic separation and leaching to recover minerals from the tailings. Early findings are promising, with unexpected mineral discoveries that could lead to viable tailings reprocessing methods. The research could also improve the cost-effectiveness of mineral recovery, providing a sustainable way to meet U.S. demand for critical materials.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The University of Arizona’s project highlights a growing trend in the mining sector: turning waste into a valuable resource. As the U.S. continues to grapple with its dependence on foreign critical minerals, research like this is critical for reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. This initiative could pave the way for future mining operations that focus on reprocessing tailings, creating a more sustainable and secure domestic supply of essential materials. As industries like defense, energy, and technology expand, the demand for such resources will only rise, making this research all the more vital for future U.S. industrial growth.