This paper discusses aspects and presents case studies of the economic recovery values and environmental benefits that arise from tailings treatment. For beginners in the field it proposes several cautionary but important ‘tests’ to consider as a counter to the implicit hubris of ‘we’re smarter/we’ll try harder and therefore do better than the previous operators’ which is sometimes encountered. These tests are: (a) will the processing of tailings use a different mineral separation/extraction technology than the previous operation; (b) is the treatment of tailings making a different product; (c) is there an assured market for the product; and (d) is there an environmental benefit to treating the tailings?