China launches world-first technology to process iron ore tailings

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched the world’s largest project to convert iron ore tailings into high-quality iron ore concentrate. Located in Anshan, Liaoning Province, the facility has officially commenced operations and is currently running at maximum capacity.

Developed by the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) under CAS, the production line can process 5.56 million tons of difficult-to-treat iron ore and tailings annually. The technology utilizes a fluidized bed magnetic roasting method, which allows for the processing of tailings containing as little as 11% iron, transforming them into concentrate with a 65% iron content. This represents the first industrial-scale technology capable of handling such low-grade materials.

Researchers believe this advancement could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imported iron ore. While China holds the world's fourth-largest iron ore reserves, much of its domestic supply is low-quality and economically difficult to process using traditional methods. Currently, China consumes more than half of the global iron ore supply but relies on foreign imports, such as those from Australia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, for over 80% of its needs.