The transition to renewable energy and high-tech industries is driving a surge in demand for critical minerals, expected to more than double by 2030, prompting increased focus on alternate sources. Historically, extraction processes for many ores focused on obtaining specific target metals that were of interest at that time with other metals/minerals going to waste and tailings storage facilities (TSFs). This was compounded by inefficient methods available at the time of active mining. as a result, these residual materials, remaining after ore extraction, are now considered a near-future resource for reprocessing by many mining operations. However, TSFs are typically complex and heterogeneous, as they are generally deposited as a slurry that undergoes sedimentary processes that leading to the sorting of particles by size and density, and the formation of fan-shaped and stratified structures. This can lead to localised zones of metal enrichment or depletion, with increased complexity when tailings from different ore types or processing methods are mixed. a geometallurgical approach to characterisation of these 'deconstructed orebodies' is needed to provide a detailed understanding of the characteristics, enabling more effective strategies for addressing the challenges encountered during their reprocessing. By integrating geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and metallurgical data, this approach can lead to the development of spatial predictive models that optimise recovery and minimise reprocessing risks. It can be used to identify variations in particle size, mineralogy, and metal distribution, enabling more efficient extraction of valuable metals while also enhancing environmental management by assessing potential risks and guiding sustainable processing strategies. In this presentation, the principal aspects of the geometallurgical approach will be discussed, highlighting its integrative nature, predictive capabilities, and strategic value in the reprocessing of materials in TSFs.