Under the KSA vision 2030, the non-ferrous metal products industry is growing at a record growth rate of 54%. However, this rapid industrialization has also caused the introduction of highly acidic and heavy metal laden wastewater whose carcinogenic effects are well known. In the proposed work, we will use magnesite (MgCO₃) tailings as a low-cost adsorbent which can be used for both neutralizing the acidic waste as well as removing heavy metals by adsorption from wastewater of non-ferrous metal product industry. First, batch experiments will be done to find out the adsorption mechanism using various adsorption models. Secondly, rapid small scale column tests will be done to understand the dynamics of the contaminant removal so that effluent quality can be further improved. In the end, an economic feasibility for usage of locally manufactured magnesite columns in industry will be done based on the performance.

Our work will help to:

1. Introduce cheaper locally available adsorbents
2. Treat industrial waste at minimum cost
3. Create research interests and job opportunities in this emerging field of adsorbent production

The expected outputs from our work are:

1. Production of cheaper and more efficient adsorbents
2. Removal of industrial waste contaminants using natural material

Keywords : Magnesite, Adsorption, Acid Mine Waste, small scale column test