Magnetite powder and kaolinite derived from waste iron ore tailings for environmental applications

► A feasible approach for complete utilization of waste iron ore tailings (IOT). ► Sufficiently pure magnetite powder (MP) using recovered ferric iron from IOT. ► Derivation of high surface area kaolinite as acid insoluble residue from IOT. ► Effective utilization of MP and kaolinite as adsorbent for wastewater treatment.