A Critical Review on Approaches for Phosphorus Ore Flotation Tailings Treatment and Disposal Technology: Environment Properties, Comprehensive Utilization, and Resource Utilization

Abstract

Phosphorus ore flotation tailings (POFTs) are an industrial solid waste generated in the process of phosphate mining, which contains a large number of Mg, Ca, and P resources. The sources, storage, hazards, and resource environment properties of POFTs were summarized, and the present situation of POFTs treatment and disposal technology at home and abroad was analyzed in this review. The resource reduction technology of POFTs focuses on increasing the phosphate grade and optimizing the flotation process. The harmless treatment technology of POFTs mainly uses a neutralizing agent. In resources utilization technology, POFTs have been widely used in agriculture and industry fields, especially in fertilizers, soil remediation, building materials, roadbed materials, environmental functional materials, and filling materials. In order to develop POFTs reduction, reuse, and resource recycling technology, the treatment and disposal of POFTs should adhere to the concept of circular economy. This review is informative for solving the problems of POFTs accumulation and environmental pollution.