| Title |
Copper and critical metals production from porphyry ores and E-wastes: A review of resource availability, processing/recycling challenges, socio-environmental aspects, and sustainability issues |
|
Authors |
Carlito Baltzar Tabelin, Ilhwan Park, Theerayut Phengsaart, Sanghee Jeon, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin, Dennis Alonzo, Kyoungkeun Yoo, Mayumi Ito, Naoki Hiroyoshi |
|
Publication date |
2021/07 |
|
Journal |
Resources, Conservation & Recycling |
| Volume |
170 |
| Pages |
105610 |
| Publisher |
Elsevier |
| Abstract |
Porphyry ores and E-wastes/WEEE are two of the most important copper-bearing materials on the planet. Over
60% of world copper output comes from porphyry copper ores while E-waste(s) is globally the largest copperbearing
waste category since the 1980s. They also contain critical elements for low-carbon technologies essential
in the clean energy transition芒聙聶s success. In this review, a critical analysis of ore distribution/processing, metal
extraction, E-waste generation and E-waste recycling is presented, focusing on identifying challenges and how to
address them with emerging technologies and sustainable socio-environmental strategies. Access to ore deposits
is a major hurdle for mine development while the absence of a consistent E-waste classification and legislation,
including poor collection rates, remains serious problems in E-waste recycling. As lower grade porphyry ores are
exploited, difficulties in processing/extraction due to mineralogical complexities, very fine particles and the
generation of 芒聙聹dirty芒聙聺 concentrates will become more prevalent. For E-wastes recycling, current trends are to
develop smaller, more mobile, and eco-friendly hydrometallurgical alternatives to pyrometallurgy that can
handle localised compositional and feed variabilities. Finally, more sustainable mine waste management strategies,
including better LCIA tools with spatial and temporal dimensions, are needed to limit socio-environmental
impacts of resources exploitation and maintain the sector芒聙聶s SLO. |
| Index terms / Keywords |
Copper and critical metals; Porphyry copper deposits; E-wastes; Sustainability; Recycling; Circular Economy |
| DOI |
|
| URL |
|
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology