Potential of recycling and reuse mining waste in Serbia: Challenges and prospects

Waste materials from mining activities are increasingly used as secondary raw materials, which reduces the need to extract new resources from nature and mitigates the negative impact on the environment. This paper examines sustainable industrial practices in Serbia's mining and energy sector, focusing on flotation tailings and fly ash, constituting 95% of disposed waste in 2023. The study investigates metal recovery potential from copper mining regions such as Bor and Majdanpek and the utilization of fly ash from thermal power plants in construction and other industries. By reviewing existing state and legislation, the paper discusses the potential to provide the foundation for increased circularity in these sectors.