Various Options for Mining and Metallurgical Waste in the Circular Economy: A Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

 I would like to accept the paper in present form.

 

Best Regards

Author Response

Thank you, there were no comments to respond to.

Reviewer 2 Report

Paper is well written and analyses modern topic of , the mining and metallurgy industry has made concerted efforts to improve waste management through a by-product recovery strategy, mainly focusing on developing innovative technologies to provide sustainable solutions. This strategy has seen the metallurgy industry exploit more natural resources in waste streams while reducing its environmental impact, making the 'zero-waste' goal possible. As such, the concept of circular economy emerged, which  seeks to improve the environmental sustainability of mining operations by recycling and reusing  the generated waste as raw materials for producing other new products. This paper aims to analyse  the findings from published studies on the treatment and stabilization technologies of metallurgical waste or by-products for the construction industry. Furthermore, the paper synthesizes information  on processes and treatment strategies to beneficiate the waste materials for application in the build-  ing and construction sector. Finally, the paper identifies knowledge gaps in the literature, using a  comprehensive overview of the superior results achieved by the metallurgical industry and potential synergies with other industrial sectors. In conclusion, the paper presents future opportunities while highlighting specific areas that may be further explored. This review paper is helpful to researchers in the mining waste management discipline to have an aerial view of what has already been done in the field to improve the existing processes for environment preservation. 

Author Response

There were no comments to respond to.

Reviewer 3 Report

Please see the file attached.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Thank you for your informative comments. This review has enhanced the quality of the manuscript. We thank you for your time.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 4 Report

The present manuscript analyzes the findings from published studies on the treatment and stabilization technologies of metallurgical waste or byproducts for the construction industry. Furthermore, the paper synthesizes information on processes and treatment strategies to beneficiate the waste materials for application in the building and construction sector. Finally, the paper identifies knowledge gaps in the literature, using a comprehensive overview of the superior results achieved by the metallurgical industry and potential synergies with other industrial sectors.

A manuscript has a practical application and also provides important theoretical for the next studies.

1. The abstract is well written.

2. The introduction is detailed.

3. The results and discussion are well presented.

4. At the same time the tasks of the research must be highlighted at the end of the Introduction section.

5. Please provide a short description of further research.

6. There is a paper that I have reviewed in the past year. Please consider the suggested research in your paper. I believe it worth considering in your paper.

Markevych, K., Maistro, S., Koval, V., & Paliukh, V. (2022). Mining sustainability and circular economy in the context of economic security in Ukraine. Mining of Mineral Deposits, 16(1), 101-113. https://doi.org/10.33271/mining16.01.101

Above research presents the results of a circular economy with the emphasis on mineral resources in the context of the economic security of the state. It has been determined that the circular economy concept combines the peculiarities of various system-forming economic security components (environmental, industrial, energy, mineral resource, social, food).

7. The novelty of the paper must be highlighted in the conclusions section.

8. Please provide sharper figures if possible.

 

In general, the presented article leaves a positive impression and, after eliminating these comments and taking into account the recommendations made, it can be recommended for publication in the journal "Sustainability".

Author Response

Thank you, the file is attached

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

I agree with the current form of the article

Reviewer 4 Report

Dear authors,

I am more than satisfied with the corrections provided by you.

This study is an important contribution to sustainable mining.

 

Congratulations to the authors.