The circular economy is an economic and industrial model that aims to eliminate waste and promote the continuous reuse, recycling, and regeneration of materials and products throughout their lifecycle, in contrast to the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model. In the context of mining — including bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond mining — the circular economy principles are increasingly being embedded into operational practices, product stewardship, and corporate sustainability strategies. In bauxite and alumina production, circular economy initiatives include the beneficial reuse of bauxite residue (red mud) in cement manufacturing, road construction, and geopolymer applications, reducing the volume of waste deposited in residue storage areas. In gold mining, the circular economy is reflected in the recycling of process reagents such as cyanide, acids, and solvents, as well as the recovery of gold from electronic waste (urban mining). In iron ore mining, circular economy applications include the recycling of mill scale, slag, and tailings into construction materials and by-products. In diamond mining, water recycling, tailings reprocessing, and the recovery of co-products such as garnets and ilmenite exemplify circular practices. Broadly, the mining sector's adoption of the circular economy aims to reduce environmental footprint, improve resource efficiency, and support long-term licence to operate.
