Next generation technology for utilization of alumina rich iron ore tailings in India

Accumulation of low-grade iron ore tailings (IOTs) generated during the processing of high-grade iron ore has become a great threat to environment. Although wide range of research works has carried out to recover the iron values from the IOTs, but the solid recovery value has limited to ca. 50% in Indian context. In order to attain a maximum iron recovery and to utilize these solid wastes for future needs, an attention has shed on the topics of hydrometallurgy and applied nanomaterial synthesis from IOTs. Iron containing nanoparticles (ICNs) have huge potential in environmental and energy related applications. A wide range of synthesis methods has developed to produce ICNs from the mine waste. It is evident from the recent research works that converting waste materials into value added products are gaining more attentions. Objective of this review is to analyse the green synthesis routes to prepare ICNs from mine waste, starting from the physio chemical identification of waste material followed by discussion on various methods of ICNs synthesis routes from mine waste. It includes selective leaching method. Finally, the use of ICNs for environmental application had discussed in brief.