Recovery of economically important minerals from Mining Waste: A Path Toward Sustainable Resource Management

This master's thesis develops a practical concept for the sustainable recovery of economically relevant metals, such as copper and gold, from historic mining waste dumps in the Flatschach–Adlitzenbach area (Styria) and aligns it with the objectives of the EU project SCIMIN CRM. The focus is on converting contaminated sites from the mining industry into secondary raw material sources to strengthen the European circular economy and the supply of critical raw materials while reducing risks to the environment and local residents.
Geologically, the tailings are assigned to the Silvretta Seckau and Koralm Wölz (Eastern Alps) cover complexes; The formation of the deposits is linked to regional tectonic events and the development of the Fohnsdorf–Seckau basin. To characterize the site, near-surface geophysical measurements (geoelectric, seismic), grain size analyses, and geochemical investigations were carried out. The distributed waste rock bodies have a total volume of around 20,310 m³ (~56,462 t). The average grades are approximately 3,480 ppm Cu and 817 ppb Au; trace amounts of Co, Li, Al, Zn, and rare earth elements open up potential for by-products.
The extraction concept is based on mechanical extraction using a 23 t hydraulic excavator (preferably electric) and 4-axle dump trucks. For water management, surface runoff will be temporarily collected or piped during the work to prevent arsenic mobilization and acidification, among other things. The former coal mining area in Fohnsdorf and nearby farmland are being considered as interim storage sites. Renewable energies (primarily photovoltaics) are planned to reduce emissions.
Economic viability is primarily determined by processing costs and product price volatility; Sensitivity analyses show that short transport distances, simple water management, and modular, energy-efficient processing steps are crucial. Overall, the study proves that small, scattered tailings piles can be good integrated into the circular economy with modern measurement technology, careful planning, and adapted operating technology. And this with a limited ecological footprint and a contribution to the supply of precious metals.