This study aims to quantify the amount of iron recoverable from iron ore tailings through physical separation methods applied both individually and in combined sequences. The separation techniques employed include the Humphrey spiral concentrator, magnetic drum separator, and shaking table, all widely used for fine mineral processing. The experiments were designed to evaluate the iron content recovered using each method separately and all six possible combinations of the three techniques in different sequences. For each configuration, tailings samples were processed, and the resulting concentrate was analyzed to determine iron recovery efficiency, yield, and grade. The results showed that while individual methods such as the shaking table or magnetic separation yielded moderate iron recoveries, sequential processing— particularly combinations starting with gravity concentration (Humphrey spiral) followed by magnetic separation—produced significantly higher iron recovery rates. The study demonstrates that proper sequencing of physical separation techniques can substantially enhance the beneficiation potential of iron ore tailings, contributing to resource recovery and environmental demage mitigation.

This study investigates the effects of incorporating iron ore tailings in their raw (as-received) state as a partial substitute for natural sand and stone powder in the production of interlocking concrete blocks. The research aims to evaluate the technical viability and environmental benefits of utilizing this mining residue as an alternative fine aggregate. Granulometric analyses were conducted to determine the compatibility of the tailings with standard grading curves recommended by Brazilian technical norms. Experimental concrete mixes were formulated with varying replacement percentages (6%, 13%, and 20%) of the tailings, and corresponding curves were compared to reference limits for block production. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of iron ore tailings from 6% up to 20% maintained the granulometric conformity necessary for non-structural concrete block fabrication and testing the bloc's compression resistence for 30 days as brazilian normatives indicate . This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution by valorizing mining waste and reducing the demand for virgin raw materials.