Daicel International’s Post

Circular Economies: Revolutionizing Resource Scarcity through E-Waste Recycling The future of global resource management is undergoing a transformational shift as the demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt surges. This rising demand is fueling innovative solutions in sustainable practices and urban mining, positioning e-waste recycling as a cornerstone in addressing resource scarcity. By embracing circular economies, we are not only conserving valuable materials but also redefining the supply chain dynamics for these high-tech metals. E-waste, often referred to as "urban mines," harbors a treasure trove of valuable resources that are far too precious to end up in landfills. Innovative recycling methods are proving to be crucial in extracting these critical minerals efficiently and sustainably. As companies invest in technologies to recover these metals, they contribute significantly to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience by reducing dependency on mined resources. The path forward lies in merging technology with sustainability practices, leading us to rethink how we source, utilize, and recycle critical materials. These efforts not only promise to meet the growing demand but also take significant strides towards a more sustainable and balanced global resource system. How do you see the role of e-waste recycling evolving in tackling resource scarcity, and what innovative solutions have caught your attention? #CircularEconomy #EWasteRecycling #CriticalMinerals #UrbanMining #SustainableSolutions #ResourceScarcity

🌍 The Circular Economy: A Game Changer for the Mining Industry ⚒️ Metals and minerals are the unsung heroes of a net-zero future. But true circularity demands more than just recycling—it requires a complete reimagination of how we produce and how we use these materials. Here's how the circular economy is transforming mining: 1.    Reducing Waste 🌱: Companies like Anglo American are leading the charge by reusing water in operations, minimizing waste. 2.    Repurposing Resources 🔄: Antofagasta’s Los Pelambres mine recycles steel from truck tires into grinding balls. 3.    Restoring Land 🌳: Teck’s Highland Valley mine partners with local communities to restore biodiversity and replant native species. 💡 Why is this important? With the demand for metals like copper expected to double by 2050, mining must evolve to meet global needs responsibly. The demand for metals is skyrocketing, driven by population growth, economic development, and the clean energy transition. 🌍💥 From wind and solar to electric vehicles, copper is essential to powering a sustainable future. But what happens when metals reach the end of their life cycle? 🤔 This is where the circular economy comes in. Mining doesn’t just fuel production—it sets the stage for metals to be reused and recycled, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and environmental impact. For example, copper is recycled from e-waste, reducing the need for virgin extraction and supporting future generations. The UN reported 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2019 alone—imagine the potential! 💻📱 🔄 The Impact of Circularity: Today, one-third of global copper demand is met through recycling. Innovations ensure metals extracted today will remain in productive use for generations. E-waste recovery turns discarded electronics into treasure troves of precious metals. 💻✨ 🛠 What’s Needed Next? 1.    Coherent policies that align with sustainability goals. 2.    Metrics to measure circularity across the entire lifecycle. 3.    Incentives to overcome bottlenecks in recycling and production. Mining is not just digging into the Earth; it’s building a future that thrives on regeneration and responsibility. 🌟 Video Credit: ICMM #CircularEconomy #SustainableMining #Copper #NetZero #Ewaste #MiningInnovation #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

There were some really good papers and excellent discussions at the 'Nordic Sustainable Minerals - Spotlight on Critical Raw Materials Traceability and Circularity today. I particularly liked this one, by Liu et al., about mineral traceability for Rare Earth Elements. This is particularly important for trust amongst consumers (including user companies) and can definitely be a force for good, not just when used in the context of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), but also (maybe) to assist to push the formalization of artisanal mining and thereby protect those workers? As well as this, there was some good discussion and widespread acknowledgement that we cannot rely on circularity, and we will always need primary mining. Most participants believed that the most effective driving force for making the circular economy happen is either legislation or the attitude of companies working in the value chain, and that sustainability is also driven by a combination of the two. And definitely, we can look at remining, but never without consideration of the economics and understanding of the primary geology. #nordicsustainableminerals #circulareconomy #weneedmining

Did you know #lithium-ion battery recycling is key to creating a circular economy? By recovering critical materials like lithium and cobalt, we reduce the need for new mining and keep valuable resources in circulation. At Attero we’re closing the loop on waste through innovative recycling. What role do you see circularity playing in our sustainable future? #circularity #battery #recycling #epr #cpcb #sustainability #metals #minerals

🌍 Championing Environmental Sustainability in Mining 🌱 In today’s world, the importance of sustainable practices has never been clearer. At every stage of the mining process, it’s crucial to integrate environmental considerations to protect and preserve our ecosystems. Whether it's minimizing emissions, efficient waste management, or rehabilitating mined land, sustainable mining is achievable – and it’s our responsibility to make it the industry standard. As environmental leaders, we need to inspire a shift towards practices that ensure minimal impact on our planet. Sustainable solutions, like transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving waste recycling, and advancing eco-friendly technologies, not only protect our environment but also strengthen our communities and industries. By committing to a greener future, we create a win-win: operational efficiency paired with responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Let’s continue to lead the way in promoting sustainable practices that benefit the earth and future generations. 🌱💼 #EnvironmentalSustainability #GreenMining #FutureForward #SustainableMining #EcoFriendly

Did you know ❓🤔 Did you know that recycling catalytic converters not only helps preserve rare metals but also reduces carbon emissions associated with mining new metals? Considering that a single catalytic converter can contain up to 7 grams of platinum group metals, recycling them becomes an efficient and environmentally friendly practice. It’s a step toward a circular economy, where valuable resources are reintroduced into circulation, reducing waste and environmental impact. ♻️ 🌍 #Sustainability #Recycling #CircularEconomy #EnvironmentalImpact

Mining’s new frontier: Recycling metal for a more sustainable future. This post from the World Economic Forum reinforces the need for metal recyclers if the world is to achieve circularity and reduce waste to landfill. We proudly represent the NZ metal recycling industry; we are the voice for this important industry. #circulareconomy #metalrecycling #recycling

Battery recycling is not just about recovering valuable materials; it's also about reducing the environmental impact of battery production. This article - https://lnkd.in/dN_fyicY - by Laolu discusses the importance of sustainable battery recycling practices and how they can contribute to a circular economy. #BatteryRecycling #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #BatteryRecycling #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #recycling #battery #EV #EVbattery #Lithium #Cobalt #Nickel #batterychemistry #oil #zeroemission #mining #greeneconomy

🌍 At Prospect Innovation, sustainability drives our investments in the metals and mining industry. Guided by the 7 R's of waste management – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair, Refurbish, and Recycle – Prospect supports cutting-edge technologies that promote a circular economy. From minimizing waste and optimizing resources to repurposing by-products and advancing recycling, our focus on a holistic view of circularity ensures every step contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we’re transforming the industry for the better, one 'R' at a time. 🌱 #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy #Mining #Metals #WasteManagement #ProspectInnovation

The World Circular Economy Forum WCEF is coming up in a couple weeks and it got me thinking about #circularity in #mining. It can be difficult to recycle industrial waste, especially haul truck tires, but we've found a way to responsibly recycle rubber for re-use. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNkcDuAR