Limitations of applying life cycle assessment to complex co-product systems: The case of an integrated precious metals smelter-refinery

Anna Stamp, Hans-Jörg Althaus and Patrick A. Wäger

Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 2013, vol. 80, issue C, 85-96

Abstract: Integrated smelter-refineries play an important role in the recovery of multiple metals from complex primary and secondary materials, and hence in closing metals cycles. Processes in these facilities are strongly interconnected, dynamic, and multifunctional, which challenges a typical representation in life cycle assessment (LCA). This is especially true when LCA is applied to calculate the environmental profile of single metals products.

Keywords: Life cycle assessment; Metals; Recycling; Complex systems; Methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:recore:v:80:y:2013:i:c:p:85-96

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.09.003

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