Exploring the Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Critical Raw Materials in the Circular Economy

Abstract

Critical raw materials are essential for various industries due to their importance, significance, and various applications. They are classified into various types, such as rare earth elements and strategic minerals, and have key characteristics such as scarcity, high economic importance, and geopolitical implications. Factors influencing the availability of critical raw materials include geological factors, environmental challenges, regulations, trade, and geopolitical factors. Global demand and supply of critical raw materials are also analyzed, with a focus on recycling and sustainable practices. Potential risks and challenges associated with critical raw materials include environmental and social impacts, dependence on these raw materials, and dependence on foreign countries. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring the continued success of critical metals in various industries. The research paper discusses the importance of critical metals in the circular economy, their definition, and the research's objectives. It also discusses the circular economy concept and its relevance to resource management, identifying critical metals and their specific roles, and discussing challenges and opportunities related to their use. The article focuses on the potential for critical raw material management within the circular economy. The study's goal is to investigate and analyse the various tactics and methodologies that can be used to successfully utilise, recycle, and reintroduce key metals into the economy. The circular economy is viewed as a method of improving sustainable resource management by closing the material flow and encouraging renewability and recycling. The circular economy is currently understudied in the context of critical metals - a set of raw materials that are vital for modern technology but are limited in supply and cause significant environmental damage.