The convergence of hydrometallurgical waste management and the principles of the circular economy holds
immense potential for addressing the challenges posed by metal-enriched waste. By turning waste into valuable
resources through efficient metal extraction, this approach not only aligns with sustainable development goals
but also contributes to the conservation of resources, reduction of waste, and the promotion of economic and
environmental well-being. This article deals with the further possibilities of processing metal-bearing wastes
in the form of steel drifts via hydrometallurgy. The main part of this research focuses on the development of
suitable technology for the leaching of steel flakes to obtain selected non-ferrous metals, mainly zinc and lead,
for economic and environmental reasons. Laboratory experiments are carried out to verify a suitable leaching
agent in the form of high-temperature acid leaching, neutralizing leaching, and magnetic separation verified in
lead seals. From the results of the experiments, a suitable technology for processing steel fumes is proposed.