Abstract
Despite 20 years of research, there remains no robust, globally agreed upon method—or even problem statement—for assessing mineral resource inputs in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). As a result, inclusion of commonly used methods such as abiotic depletion potential (ADP) in life cycle assessment (LCA)-related evaluation schemes could lead to incorrect decisions being made in many applications. In this paper, we explore in detail how to improve the way that life cycle thinking is applied to the acquisition of mineral resources and their metal counterparts. This paper evaluates the current body of work in LCIA with regard to “depletion potential” of mineral resources. Viewpoints from which models are developed are described and analyzed. The assumptions, data sources, and calculations that underlie currently used methods are examined. A generic metal-containing product is analyzed to demonstrate the vulnerability of results to the denominator utilized in calculating ADP. The adherence to the concept of the area of protection (AOP) is evaluated for current models. The use of ore grades, prices, and economic availability in LCIA is reviewed. Results demonstrate that any work on resource depletion in a life cycle context needs to have a very clear objective or LCIA will not accurately characterize mineral resource use from any perspective and decision-making will continue to suffer. New, harmonized terminology is proposed so that LCA practitioners can build better mutual understanding with the mineral industry and recommendations regarding more promising tools for use in life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) are given. The economic issue of resource availability should be evaluated in parallel with traditional LCA, not within. LCIA developers should look to economists, the market, and society in general, for broader assessments that consider shorter-time horizons than the traditional LCIA methods. To do so, the concept of the AOP in LCA needs to be redefined for LCSA to ensure that models estimate what is intended. Finally, recommendations regarding mineral resource assessment are provided to ensure that future research has a sound basis and practitioners can incorporate the appropriate tools in their work.
Highlights
Organizations have been integrating life cycle thinking, tools, and techniques into decision-making for many years
The economic issue of resource availability should be evaluated in parallel with traditional Life cycle assessment (LCA), not within
The concept of the area of protection (AOP) in LCA needs to be redefined for life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) to ensure that models estimate what is intended
Summary
Organizations have been integrating life cycle thinking, tools, and techniques into decision-making for many years. The view of the entire life cycle enables assessment of the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product or system’s life. It enables the user to uncover tradeoffs across environmental impacts, which could otherwise go unnoticed and are critical to ensuring good decision-making. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has seen a recent resurgence due to its ability to provide this unique view, with green building and government initiatives using LCA results to drive decision-making when comparing products. The European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) project explores the practicality of setting standards for evaluating products across various environmental LCIA categories. This has led to greater focus—and significant debate—on the science behind LCIA methodologies
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