One of the most noticeable aspects of mining operations relates to what is set aside either in the form of non-mineralized mine waste or tailings resulting from processing the ore. Recently, several important initiatives have been launched such as BHP’s Tailings Challenge. What if mine waste could be re-purposed to produce building materials or agriculture soil improvement feedstock? Ideas of this kind have the potential to fundamentally change how certain mining projects are developed, with increased societal and environmental benefits.