Research progress on iron recovery and resource utilization from copper smelting slag

Copper smelting slag is the largest solid by-product generated during copper smelting, characterized by large output, high iron grade, and significant potential for resource utilization. Focusing on the efficient recovery and comprehensive utilization of iron resources, this paper systematically reviewed recent domestic and international research progress in the sources and mineralogical characteristics of copper smelting slag, iron recovery technologies, and resource utilization pathways. The mechanisms, technical characteristics and existing problems of mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy in iron extraction from copper smelting slag were emphatically analyzed. The results indicated that the beneficiation process features simple process flow, mature equipment, lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact compared to pyrometallurgical methods, but its metal recovery efficiency is limited. Pyrometallurgical treatment shows significant advantages in improving iron recovery efficiency, while hydrometallurgical leaching shows considerable potential for synergistic recovery of multiple metals. In addition, this paper summarized recent advances in the utilization of copper smelting slag in construction materials, catalysts, wastewater treatment, and glass-ceramics, providing a reference for the efficient recovery and high-value utilization of iron resources from copper smelting slag.