This paper addresses the urgent need to develop more sustainable and efficient mining practices. By applying reverse logistics to the heap leaching process in copper production, the aim is to transform waste into useful resources, reduce environmental impact, and improve the competitiveness of the copper mining industry in an increasingly regulated environment with heightened awareness of sustainability. The main objective is to seek improvements that maximize resource recovery, reduce waste generation, and contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of the copper mining sector. To assess the feasibility of applying reverse logistics in the copper industry, a survey was conducted among key informants and decision-makers in the mining industry. The data were used to build an AHP model. The results indicated that reverse logistics could be an effective tool for the recovery of metals and other resources from the waste generated in the leaching process, enabling the recovery and reuse of resources that would otherwise be discarded. It is also important to mention that, while isolated initiatives exist, the lack of clear policies and economic incentives limits the implementation of large-scale strategies. Finally, by implementing reverse logistics principles in the copper leaching process, it is possible not only to minimize the waste generated but also to recover metals, reuse acid solutions, and optimize resource use, which contributes to the economic and environmental sustainability of the process.