Evaluating the Global Processability of Anthropogenic Metals from Mining Waste

Qudsia Kanwal, Muhammad Saqib Akhtar and Sami G. Al-Ghamdi ()
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Qudsia Kanwal: KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Saqib Akhtar: School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Sami G. Al-Ghamdi: KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

Resources, 2024, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Natural resource depletion and increased mining waste pose significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. This study investigates the processability of mining waste during the metal recovery stage to evaluate its potential contribution to anthropogenic circularity. The mining industry, abundant in valuable metals that are crucial for a carbon-neutral economy, plays a pivotal role in this context. We determine the grades of metals by looking at their chemical makeup, and then we use statistical entropy to model how easy it is to process certain waste materials. This provides us with processability measures that range from 0.19 bit to 1.18 bit. Our findings highlight that while some waste contains “abundant” metals, its complexity may diminish its economic value, raising concerns about its environmental impacts and resource availability at the end-of-life stages. Estimating potential revenue involves multiplying processed amounts by commodity prices, revealing a maximum value of 8.73 USD/metric ton for processed waste. This assessment underscores the importance of integrating circular economy principles, aiming to mitigate environmental damage and promote industrial ecology. By advancing our understanding of mining waste management through rigorous scientific inquiry, this study contributes to sustainable resource utilization strategies that are essential for future industrial practices and environmental stewardship.

Keywords: metal circularity; mining waste; processability; entropy analysis; sustainable development goals (SDGs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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