The environmental impact of metallurgical production

The objective of this article is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of metallurgical production on the environment at all technological stages and justification of ways to minimize environmental damage based on the principles of circular economy and "green" metallurgy. The study uses methods of systematic analysis of scientific literature, a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of various processing technologies, including hydro- and pyrometallurgical methods, and mechanochemical activation. It has been established that the negative impact is systemic, manifesting itself at the stages of extraction of raw materials and its metallurgical conversion. A significant resource potential of man-made waste (enrichment tailings, slags, metallurgical dust) has been identified. The high efficiency of innovative technologies, such as leaching with mechanochemical activation, which makes it possible to extract up to 50-80% of lost metals from waste, and complex processing of electric arc furnace dust, has been scientifically substantiated and demonstrated. The results of the work make it possible to form a scientific and methodological basis for the development and implementation of environmental protection measures at metallurgical enterprises. The proposed technological solutions are aimed at reducing the amount of waste being buried, reducing emissions and expanding the mineral resource base through secondary resources, which contributes to improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the industry.