Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E014
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E014 (2025)
Circular economy in mining waste management
Magdalena Myszura-Dymek1*, Grażyna Żukowska1, Sam Saddler2
1 Institute of Soil Science, Environment Engineering and Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
2 Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
* Corresponding author: magdalena.myszura-dymek@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The mining sector is an important aspect of economic growth, as it provides essential raw materials and energy for many industries. However, its activities lead to the depletion of natural resources and negatively affect the environment. Mining waste is the largest waste stream in the EU, and worldwide mining activities generate more than 100 billion tons of solid waste per year, which creates serious environmental problems requiring appropriate management strategies. The aim of the paper was to review the latest scientific reports on mining waste management methods in the context of the circular economy (CE). Peer-reviewed articles from available databases were analyzed. Three main research areas were analyzed: CE strategies for waste and its management in mining and regulations and possibilities of implementing CE in mining. The analysis showed that the mining industry is moving towards the integration of CE practices throughout the product life cycle, starting from the initial stages of extraction. The paper emphasizes the role of CE practices, which aim not only to reduce waste but also to capture the economic value of materials that would otherwise be discarded. This requires a strategic review of materials management where useful waste is reused as inputs into other processes, thereby benefiting the economy and reducing waste.
Keywords: circular economy, mining waste, sustainable development
How to cite
M. Myszura-Dymek, G. Żukowska, S. Saddler, 2025. Circular economy in mining waste management. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E014