A slagheap of the Jarada coal mine (Morocco) was recycled using the following ore processing operations: sifting, gravimetry and flotation. This abandoned coal mine has greatly evolved over the years. The oxidation of its pyrite content is the most remarkable change. The only remains are iron oxides which are concentrated within the fine particles of the slagheap. This study shows that the recovery efficiency of iron(III) oxide depends on the particle size, pH and the collector concentration. When recycled under optimum conditions, a commercial product containing 35% iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) used in paint and enamelling was obtained. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.