Tailings slag, a byproduct of mineral processing, has long been considered a waste material. However, with the advancement of grinding and crushing technologies, especially cone crushers, tailings are now being repurposed through ultrafine processing to recover valuable minerals and support sustainable mining.

This article explores how cone crushers contribute to the micronization of tailings slag, turning waste into resource.

Why Use Cone Crushers for Tailings Slag Processing?

1. Precise Secondary and Tertiary Crushing

Cone crushers are highly effective in secondary and tertiary crushing stages, capable of reducing particle size to below 5 mm, which is essential for further ultrafine grinding and separation of useful minerals from tailings.

2. Stable and Uniform Particle Shape

Thanks to their lamination crushing principle, cone crushers produce well-graded and uniform fine material that is ideal for subsequent grinding or direct use in cement, bricks, and construction materials.

3. Energy Efficiency and Low Operating Costs

Compared to other crushing equipment, cone crushers feature lower energy consumption per ton, high productivity, and longer wear part lifespan—making them cost-effective for long-term tailings processing operations.

Applications of Ultrafine Processed Tailings Slag

Processed tailings can be reused in:

• Cement and concrete as a mineral additive
• Backfilling in mines to stabilize underground structures
• Road base and subbase materials
• Bricks and construction blocks
• Metal recovery from fine residues

Recommended Equipment: LIMING Multi-cylinder Hydraulic Cone Crusher

LIMING Heavy Industry’s multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crushers are well-suited for tailings slag applications due to:

• High crushing efficiency for hard and abrasive materials
• Automatic overload protection and hydraulic adjustment
• Capacity from 90 to 1000 tons/hour
• Output particle size control for downstream ultrafine mills

Conclusion

The use of cone crushers in tailings slag ultrafine processing provides a sustainable, efficient, and economically viable method to reduce mining waste and recover resources. As the demand for eco-friendly mining solutions increases, integrating advanced cone crusher technology becomes essential in modern mineral processing plants.

For reliable, energy-saving, and performance-optimized tailings treatment, LIMING Heavy Industry offers industry-leading cone crushing solutions tailored to your needs.