Limiting the impacts of technology materials for the low carbon
transition

Date:
September 21, 2021
Source:
University of Exeter
Summary:
Researchers have demonstrated how a detailed 'cradle to grave'
evaluation at the outset of new metal mining explorations can
greatly mitigate against negative environmental impacts.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Researchers have demonstrated how a detailed 'cradle to grave' evaluation
at the outset of new metal mining explorations can greatly mitigate
against negative environmental impacts.


==========================================================================
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter, Minviro, the British Geological Survey, and the Circular Economy Solutions Unit has shown
the benefits of utilising a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the quest to
enhance 'green' mining techniques.

LCAs are used to assess the environmental impacts associated with the
life- cycle of commercial products, from extracting the raw materials
to the use and, ultimately, their disposal.

With the growing demand for a transition to renewable energy sources,
the need to source sustainable, environmentally friendly raw materials
and technology metals has risen.

As a result, the quest to source and unearth rare earth minerals, lithium, colbalt and graphite, amongst others, for electric car batteries, turbines
and solar panels -- with minimal impact on the natural environment --
has magnified.

In the new scientific review, published in NatureReviewsEarth &
Environment, the research team outline how an LCA that integrates considerations around the geology, mineralogy and 'geometallurgy' can help identify potential 'hot-spots' before new extraction operations are begun.

This new approach will allow geologists to help select potential
exploration targets that naturally lend themselves to lower environmental impacts - - resulting in finding the best metal deposits with the lowest potential natural disturbance.

Professor Frances Wall, from the University of Exeter's Camborne School
of Mines said, "There is a huge opportunity for countries to use their
natural mineral resources to help decarbonisation but it is important
that this is done in the right way so that it produces sustainable
development and not disaster." Robert Pell, from Minviro and University
of Exeter, and lead author on the paper added: "Writing this review was
an excellent opportunity to bring together results of recent academic
research and the experience from our Minviro consultancy business."
Dr Xiaoyu Yan of the Environment and Sustainability Institute at
the University of Exeter said, "Understanding the environmental
impacts of emerging technologies over their entire life cycle,
particularly the raw materials supply stage in the case of clean
energy technologies, is key to ensure that they are truly sustainable." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Exeter. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Robert Pell, Laurens Tijsseling, Kathryn Goodenough, Frances Wall,
Quentin Dehaine, Alex Grant, David Deak, Xiaoyu Yan, Phoebe
Whattoff.

Towards sustainable extraction of technology materials through
integrated approaches. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2021;
DOI: 10.1038/ s43017-021-00211-6 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210921125117.htm

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