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A team of researchers from the University of Exeter, Minviro, the British Geological Survey and the Circular Economy Solutions Unit have shown the benefits of using life cycle analysis (LCA) in improving “green” mining techniques.
Life cycle assessments are used to assess the environmental impacts related to the life cycle of commercial products from the extraction of raw materials to use and disposal.
With the growing demand for a transition to renewable energy sources, the need for sustainable, environmentally friendly raw materials and technology metals has increased.
As a result, the search for rare earth minerals, lithium, cobalt, and graphite, for use in electric car batteries, turbines, and solar panels, among others – with minimal impact on the natural environment has increased.
In the new scientific overview published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the research team outlines how a life cycle assessment that integrates considerations on geology, mineralogy and “geometallurgy” can help identify potential “hot spots” before start new dismantling work.
This new approach will allow geologists to select potential exploration targets that are inherently less of an environmental impact, resulting in the best metal deposits being found with the least potential natural disturbance.
Professor Frances Wall of the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines said, “There is a great opportunity for countries to use their natural resources to support decarbonization, but it is important that it be done the right way with it sustainable development arises and not a catastrophe. ”
Robert Pell of Minviro and the University of Exeter and lead author of the paper added, “The writing of this review was an excellent opportunity to bring together the results of recent academic research and the experiences of our Minviro consulting business.”
Dr. Xiaoyu Yan, from the Institute for Environment and Sustainability at Exeter University, said, “Understanding the environmental impact of new technologies throughout their life cycle, especially the raw materials stage in clean energy technologies, is key to ensuring that they are truly sustainable.”
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More information:
Robert Pell et al., Towards the Sustainable Extraction of Technology Materials through Integrated Approaches, Nature Reviews Earth & Environment (2021). DOI: 10.1038 / s43017-021-00211-6 Provided by the University of Exeter
Quote: Limiting the Impact of Technology Materials on the Low Carbon Transition (2021, September 21), accessed on September 21, 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2021-09-limiting-impacts-technology-materials- carbon.html
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