TECHNOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF TUNGSTEN TAILINGS REPROCESSING FOR FINE AND ULTRAFINE MINERAL RECOVERY
Abstract
Tungsten is a critical strategic metal widely used in high-technology and industrial applications due to its exceptional hardness, density, and thermal stability. The present study evaluates the technological potential of tungsten tailings as a secondary resource and analyzes advanced reprocessing methods for fine and ultrafine tungsten recovery. Comparative assessment of gravity separation, wet high-intensity magnetic separation, flotation, chemical leaching, and bioleaching was conducted. The results indicate that integrated processing schemes combining enhanced physical and physicochemical methods provide the highest recovery efficiency. The study highlights the importance of technological optimization for sustainable resource utilization and environmentally responsible mine waste management.