i lost my iPad mini and i don't know how to locate it without having, find my iPhone

You can't locate it if you do not have Find My iPhone turned on. Is that what you are indicating?

Here is the Apple Support article for all of the things you need to do if your device is lost or stolen:

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

Best of luck,

GB

In terms of tracking it, you cannot do that. As far as whether it is gone forever depends on how successful you might be when you look for it.

Sorry,

GB

Sorry but yes. Even with Find my iPad there is no guarantee that you could get it back however you could have rendered it useless to the finder.

You are welcome!

Best of luck 🙂

GB