<p>The present study explores a one-step hydrometallurgical process for recycling an iron-rich waste generated from blasting brass objects with steel shots. The process involves controlled leaching using H₂SO₄–H₂O₂ solutions to recover copper metal through a consecutive dissolution-cementation mechanism. Experimental parameters included H₂SO₄ concentration, H₂O₂ concentration, leaching temperature, and time. Analysis of Fe, Zn, and Cu dissolution versus time plots confirmed that dissolved copper tends to reduce back to metallic copper via cementation by the undissolved zinc and iron. Higher H₂SO₄ concentrations increased iron and zinc dissolution but decreased copper dissolution. Increasing H₂O₂ accelerated the dissolution of all three metals, particularly copper and zinc, emphasizing the need to carefully control the oxidant amount to optimize copper recovery in its metallic form. Elevated temperatures enhanced iron dissolution and copper recovery via cementation. Optimal conditions—7.5 vol.% H₂SO₄, 1.5 vol.% H₂O₂, 60&#xa0;°C, and 360&#xa0;min—maximized Fe dissolution and Cu recovery. Under these conditions, 97.4% of iron and 84.6% of zinc were ultimately extracted into the solution, while the dissolution of copper was limited to below 0.01%. The final leach residue consisted mainly of Cu, Cu₅Zn₈, and a minor amount of Cu₂O, making it a suitable charge material for brass casting.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>