Application of waste ferrous sulfate for recovering valuable metal elements from minerals and industrial solid waste: A waste to wealth strategy

The global transition to clean energy, driven by electric vehicles and battery storage, will lead to a rapid increase in the demand for metal resources. Promoting the efficient recovery and recycling of low-grade ores, tailings, and industrial solid waste is not only an inevitable choice to address the shortage of metal resources but also a key strategy to reduce environmental risks and promote sustainable development. Traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods have several drawbacks, including high energy consumption, the generation of secondary pollutant gases, long process flows, equipment vulnerability to corrosion, and the production of acidic wastewater. The waste ferrous sulfate roasting method, as an emerging process for the treatment of minerals and solid waste, offers unique advantages in the circular economy model of “waste-treat-waste.” With its high metal recovery efficiency, significant environmental friendliness, and low energy consumption and cost, it stands out as an efficient and sustainable solution. However, its widespread adoption has been severely hindered due to the lack of comprehensive and systematic understanding. This paper first summarizes waste ferrous sulfate roasting on recovering valuable metals from various minerals and industrial solid waste. The sulfation roasting mechanisms are discussed accordingly. The future development of this emerging technology lies in enhancing sulfur utilization, controlling sulfur-containing gas emissions, and further expanding its industrial applications. The research and review of this technology offer new approaches for the effective treatment of low-grade mineral resources, tailings, and industrial solid waste, making it of significant importance for resource recycling in society.