A method for processing ore using carbonates so as to minimize the production of acidic wastes. The method includes adding the carbonates to the ore and after the carbonates have been added to the ore, substantially jointly grinding the ore and the carbonates to produce a treated ore mixture. Substantially jointly grinding the ore and the carbonates substantially mixes and homogenizes the ore and the carbonates so that acids subsequently created within the treated ore mixture are substantially neutralized within the treated ore mixture by the carbonates.