Depletion Of Mineral Resources Research Articles

Sustainable astronomy: A comparative life cycle assessment of off-grid hybrid energy systems to supply large telescopes

Abstract Purpose Supplying off-grid facilities such as astronomical observatories with renewable energy–based systems (RES) instead of diesel generators can considerably reduce their environmental impact. However, RES require oversized capacities to counter intermittency and comply with reliability requirements, hence shifting the environmental impact from operation to construction phase. We assess whether 100% RES scenarios are favorable from an environmental point of view and discuss the trade-offs in systems with backup fossil generators versus 100% renewable ones. Methods In this comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), we study various RES supply systems to power a new telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. We compare six setups, including 100% RES scenarios, namely, photovoltaics (PV) with batteries and hydrogen energy storage; high-renewable scenarios, with fossil fuel power generation next to RES and storage; and a system combining PV with diesel generation. We base system sizing on a techno-economical optimization for the start of operation in 2030. Foreground data stem from life cycle inventories of RES components since 2015 and 2030 electricity mix assumptions of production countries. We assess environmental impact in the categories climate change, mineral resource depletion, and water use. Results and discussion We find that 100% RES and high-renewable scenarios result in emissions of 0.077–0.115 kg CO2e/kWh supplied, compared to 0.917 kg CO2e/kWh in the reference case with solely diesel generation. One hundred percent RES scenarios have a lower CO2e impact than high-renewable scenarios. However, the latter lower the mineral resource depletion and water use by about 27% compared to 100% RES scenarios. Applying hybrid energy storage systems increases the water use impact while reducing the mineral resource depletion. Conclusions None of the six energy systems we compared was clearly the best in all environmental impacts considered. Trade-offs must be taken when choosing an energy system to supply the prospective off-grid telescope in Chile. We find high-renewable systems with some fossil generation as the better option regarding power reliability, mineral resource depletion, and water use, while inducing slightly higher greenhouse gas emissions than the 100% RES scenarios. As remote research facilities and off-grid settlements today are mainly supplied by fossil fuels, we expect to motivate more multifaceted decisions for implementing larger shares of RES for these areas. To advance the LCA community in the field of energy systems, we should strive to incorporate temporal and regional realities into our life cycle inventories. To ease the path for upcoming studies, we publish this work’s inventories as detailed activity level datasets.

Life cycle assessment of lithium-sulfur batteries with carbon nanotube hosts: Insights from lab experiments

Lithium‑sulfur (Li-S) batteries are candidates for next-generation batteries. It can be produced sustainably using sulfur instead of controversial cathode minerals like cobalt. However, Li-S batteries must improve their energy density and cycle life at their current state of development. Hosting the sulfur on carbon nanotubes (CNT) is a potential solution. This study investigated the environmental performance of a CNT-based Li-S battery based on original experiment data. The CNT in the batteries functioned as binders, conductive fillers, and current collectors, reducing auxiliary materials and simplifying manufacturing processes. We conducted a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) to clarify the environmental performance. We showed that the global warming potential (GWP) of the Li-S battery pack in a conventional battery structure was 105 kg CO2e/kWh. By partially substituting current collectors, increasing lithium anode efficiency, and reducing solvent usage, we could achieve 87, 82, and 78 kg CO2e, respectively. The lowest GWP of Li-S battery was 20 % lower when compared to a graphite‑nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC) battery. In addition, the other environmental indicators, including human toxicity, ecotoxicity, and acidification, were 26 % to 79 % lower, showing no major environmental burden shift. One exception was the mineral resource depletion, which was 2 % higher because lithium metal, instead of synthetic graphite, was used as a high-capacity anode pair. This study also found that modifying the cathode production process by using a less energy-intensive filtration before evaporating the remaining solvent could significantly reduce the energy required, thus mitigating the previously identified environmental hotspot. Our finding highlighted that a prospective LCA collaborating with battery experimentalists could lead to novel discoveries for environmentally sustainable battery production. Overall, we showed that Li-S batteries are environmentally preferred at the production stage, as supported by advanced experiments. Further research into improving the cycle life of Li-S batteries is crucial when considering the use stage to reduce the environmental impact per functional unit of energy delivered over the battery lifetime.

Characterization of metal-bearing nanoparticles observed in loess-covered terrain: Implications for prospecting

The recent depletion of mineral resources near the Earth's surface has led to a shift in mineral exploration toward concealed deposits in covered terrain. Consequently, significant attention has been directed toward metal-bearing nanoparticles in the soil above such deposits to gain insights into the composition of concealed ore bodies.In this study, the characteristics (type, size, shape, chemical composition, and aggregation) of metal-bearing nanoparticles in ore samples of the Zhonghedi Ag-Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit and their overlying loess were systematically analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Numerous nanoparticles containing Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mo, and other metallic elements were observed in the loess overlying the deposits as well as the ore samples. These nanoparticles exhibit a well-defined crystal shape, suggesting their primary particle nature. Moreover, the nanoparticles in the loess and ore samples share similarities in element distribution, size, and type, demonstrating their homologous nature. However, ore-related metal-bearing nanoparticles were not detected in samples collected from the background areas. Most metal-bearing nanoparticles in loess, excluding native particles, were oxides and sulfates, which may be attributed to oxidation of the native metal particles near the surface where oxygen fugacity increases. The elemental mapping of the nanoparticles showed that the ore-forming elements had the same distribution patterns and element assemblages to the ore material. These results indicate that metal-bearing nanoparticles in the loess have likely relationships with concealed ore bodies. Accordingly, the metal-bearing nanoparticles in the loess can provide information about concealed ore deposits, explain surface geochemical anomalies, and improve prospecting accuracy as a vector to mineralization.Routinely finding nanoparticles in transported cover remains a challenge. However, this study shows it is viable and marks substantial progress in our knowledge and comprehension of metal-bearing nanoparticles in loess-covered terrain. Evidence of their presence and association with concealed ore bodies contributes significantly to our understanding of mineral exploration processes and offers new avenues for future research and practical applications.

Mineral resource drivers in the global south: A case study of Australia

Mineral resource depletion directly restricts sustainable mineral development. This study investigates the drivers of sustainable mineral resource development via an evolutionary game model involving mineral firms, the Australian government, and financial institutions. The tripartite model provides a guide to strategies and interactions with external influences based on company liquidity. Leveraging panel data from Australian mining companies from 2015 to 2022, this study utilizes unconditional quantile regression techniques, culminating in three salient discoveries. First, despite financial limitations, small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can accumulate ample resources to enhance their green technology R&D and corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure through diverse financing methods, thereby creating an internal strategic impetus for CSR perpetuation. Second, by participating in CSR, mineral firms can transmit positive signals in an asymmetric market, which promotes their sustainable development. Finally, despite the Australian government's R&D tax refund policy incentivizing R&D investment, SMEs' lack of innovative capacity has led to the diversion of operational funds, which negatively impacts their sustainable development. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable mineral resource development that extend beyond Australia to other Southern Hemisphere nations.

Mineral resources depletion, dissipation and accessibility in LCA: a critical analysis

Mineral resources depletion, dissipation and accessibility in LCA: a critical analysis

THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL THINKING IN PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES AND ENSURING THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ECONOMY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The deterioration of the majority of ecosystems in the biosphere, significant reduction in bioproductivity and biodiversity, catastrophic depletion of soils and mineral resources due to unprecedented pollution of the Earth's surface, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, are all linked to the intensive growth of the global population and the development of scientific and technological progress over the past 50 years. The necessity to meet the ever-increasing needs of human society has led to a tremendous expansion of economic activities, changes in the proportions of the world economy, production capacities, techniques, and technologies, as well as the variety of products and consumption patterns. The production and consumption models that have emerged in the world no longer correspond to the conditions of sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. The analysis of the state of the natural environment indicates that in recent years, there have been no significant positive shifts in the ecological situation, and in some areas, it has even worsened. The high concentration of industry and agriculture, along with ecologically unjustified economic activities, have made Ukraine one of the most environmentally troubled countries in Europe. The situation was significantly exacerbated by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and the armed conflict in Ukraine. The aim of the article is to develop of ecological thinking involves aligning human practical activities with the laws of nature and ensuring that the economy operates in accordance with the requirements of environmental preservation. The study of human ecology is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on a clearly defined and specific set of issues. In its research, it utilizes both general scientific methods (grounded in philosophical and general scientific principles) and specific methods (characteristic of certain fields of scientific activity). General scientific methods include empirical research methods (observation, measurement, comparison) and empirical-theoretical methods (abstraction, analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, analogy, modeling) as well as theoretical methods (ascending from abstract to concrete, forecasting, systematic approach). The most specific method used in the study of human ecology is anthropoecological monitoring, a system of observations of changes in human life processes in connection with environmental factors' impact on them. It also involves monitoring and evaluating environmental conditions that negatively affect population health and contribute to the spread of diseases. The article systematizes the main threats to economic security in Ukraine and describes their main consequences. In further research, the author's efforts will be focused on the development of measures to neutralize the impact of these threats on the ecological security of Ukraine.

Deep Concrete Flow: Deep learning based characterisation of fresh concrete properties from open-channel flow using spatio-temporal flow fields

The global production of concrete, being one of the most commonly utilised materials in the world, is associated with significant CO2-emissions and a substantial depletion of mineral resources. In order to improve sustainability, concretes thus are increasingly produced using recipes containing a large variety of different raw materials, including e.g. CO2 reduced cements or recycled materials and industrial wastes. However, these actions result in heightened susceptibility of the concrete to variations in raw material characteristics, consequently diminishing the concrete’s resilience and decreasing the concrete’s robustness. Against this background, the quality control of fresh concrete before casting becomes of significant importance. However, current quality control is mainly conducted based on analogous, empirical, and often subjective test approaches. In this paper, a novel method is introduced for automatically and comprehensively evaluating the quality of fresh concrete at construction sites. In particular, the paper presents an end-to-end trainable framework for the image-based characterisation of fresh concrete properties. More specifically, a camera-based setup is proposed, in which image sequences of the discharge process of a mixing truck are acquired, on the basis of which the fresh concrete properties such as the consistency and rheology are determined. In this context, this paper introduces the concept of Spatio-Temporal Flow Fields, which provide a compact representation of the concrete’s flow behaviour and serve as input to a multi-task convolutional neural network (CNN) predicting the target parameters describing the fresh concrete’s properties. A thorough examination of the performance of the suggested method is carried out using highly challenging real-world data, showcasing extremely compelling outcomes with average prediction errors for the concrete properties of only about 6%.

Characterization of Red, Pink, Orange, and Purple Gem-Quality Spinel from Four Important Areas

Spinel is a precious stone with a long history. In ancient societies spinel was considered to be an imitation of ruby. With the depletion of ruby mineral resources, gem—grade spinel has attracted more and more attention from consumers. In the last decade, as the popularity of spinel in the global colored gem market continues to rise, plenty of domestic and foreign jewelry brands have launched spinel based jewelry. This study takes spinels from Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania as its research objects and performs a series of tests to obtain their gemological characteristics, spectral characteristics, and chemical composition, with the aim of comparing the differences between spinels with different colors from different areas and exploring the chromogenic mechanism of spinels. Only Burmese red spinels have a typical Cr spectrum. The types of inclusions and the contents of trace elements are the main differences between spinels from the four areas. Burmese spinel is characterized by an octahedral negative crystal filled with dolomite or a mixture of dolomite and calcite. Magnesite is present in Sri Lankan spinels, and dolomite is present in Tanzanian spinel. Dislocation systems and the presence of titanite and talc inclusions are strongly indicative features of Vietnamese spinel. Sri Lankan spinel is characterized by abundant gas–liquid inclusions, such as the beaded healing fissure. The trace element contents of the four areas are different. Burmese spinel is poor in Fe and Zn (Fe: 135.68–3925 ppm; Zn: 338.58–1312 ppm), while Burmese red spinel is rich in Cr (up to 7387 ppm). Vietnamese spinel is rich in Fe (3669.63–19,425 ppm) and poor in Ti content (<89 ppm), while Tanzanian spinel is rich in Zn (5129.96–7008 ppm). High content of Cr + V can lead to the red color in spinel, and the contents of Cr and V change obviously with color. Spinels appear red when Cr content is higher than V, while spinels appear orange when V content is higher than Cr. The red, pink, and orange spinels are colored by Cr3+ and V3+, showing a wide absorption band centered at 400 nm and 550 nm. Fe plays a dominant role in purple spinels. The purple spinel is colored by Fe3+ and Fe2+.

Influence of Coconut Fiber Waste and Rice Husk Ash on Green Concrete

Purpose: To develop cementitious materials, concrete, incorporating coconut fiber waste (CFW) and rice husk ash (RHA), with the aim of producing innovative, cost-effective, and readily available products for use in economically and environmentally friendly construction applications. Environmental impacts can be minimized by making these practices efficient and sustainable through the utilization of these waste materials. Theoretical framework: The use of agro-industrial waste in concrete matrices has been extensively studied due to their effectiveness in influencing material properties. The incorporation of coconut fiber waste and rice husk ash into concrete can lead to improvements in compressive strength, increased durability, and a reduction in the amount of CO2 generated during production. The concrete developed with the incorporation of waste products has the potential to minimize environmental impacts, reduce costs, and extend its lifespan. The pursuit of sustainability drives the exploration of innovative materials to preserve natural resources and mitigate ecological impact in the construction industry. Method: The coconut fiber waste was subjected to 24-hour drying process in an oven at 100°C to remove moisture and was subsequently crushed in a ball mill until its particle size exhibited characteristics similar to the binder. The CFW and RHA were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Specific Surface Area analysis. Different percentages of CFW (0.25% - 0.75%) and RHA (2% - 10%) were separately incorporated into the concrete mix. The mixing ratio used was 1:1.9:3.1 (cement, sand, aggregate), with a water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.60. Workability tests, electrical resistivity tests, capillary water absorption by capillary rise, and axial compressive strength tests were conducted. Additionally, a sulfate ion penetration test was performed by immersing specimens in a 2.5% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution for 7 days. Results: SEM images of CFW reveal an angular and fibrous microstructure, maintaining the original properties of the waste even after its transformation into ash. RHA particles exhibit irregular shapes and sizes with microporous cellular structures on the surface, consistent with literature. X-Ray Diffraction patterns of CFW indicate a material without a distinct crystalline structure. However, Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis suggests the predominance of carbon (C), potassium oxide (K2O), and silica (SiO2). RHA shows broad amorphous diffraction at 22° and some sharp diffraction peaks, suggesting the formation of crystallites, consistent with cristobalite. There was a slight improvement in the workability of fresh concrete compared to the reference mix as the percentage of waste incorporation increased. The electrical resistivity of the produced specimens showed a significant increase in all cases, except for the 0.25% RHA sample. The 5.0% CFW content exhibited the best performance, with a 29.47% increase, indicating a microstructure with few voids and suggesting greater material durability. Samples with higher fiber percentages showed higher water absorption values. Concrete incorporated with RHA exhibited higher porosity and suboptimal performance. However, the incorporation of 0.25% CFW showed a slight improvement compared to the reference concrete. The best performances observed in the compressive strength test were with 5.0% RHA and 0.5% CFW, with the latter showing the best result compared to the reference specimens. In the sulfate attack test, only the concrete with 5.0% RHA showed better performance in an aggressive environment. Increasing the percentage of CFW also reduced mass loss, suggesting potential improvement of the compound at higher proportions. The study demonstrated that agro-industrial residues can be satisfactorily utilized in construction, and the implementation of this new process can reduce global warming and mineral resource depletion. Research implications: This work contributes to a sustainable circular economy with a novel process for utilizing agro-industrial waste in concrete. Originality/Value: The findings will be promising for the utilization of coconut fiber waste and rice husk ash in the production of environmentally sustainable concrete.

An innovative method for the efficient and selective extraction of Co, Ni, Cu, and Mn from oceanic cobalt-rich crusts by ammonium sulfate roasting: Behavior, roasting kinetics and mechanism

The exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources is an unavoidable choice for sustainable human development, given the diminishing or even depletion of land-based mineral resources and the increasing demand for critical metals in global industrialization. This work presents a new method for the selective extraction of Co, Ni, Cu, and Mn from oceanic cobalt-rich crusts through the ammonium sulfate roasting-water leaching process. The metal oxides in oceanic cobalt-rich crusts were transformed to sulfates or ammonium sulfate salts by sulfation roasting and then by selective decomposition roasting to transform Fe2(SO4)3 to Fe2O3, while the other metals remained in sulfate forms. Under the sulfation roasting temperature of 450 ℃ for 120 min and the mass ratio of (NH4)2SO4 to cobalt-rich crusts of 1.2:1, the decomposition roasting temperature of 650 ℃ for 90 min and the air flow rate of 2 L/min, the leaching efficiencies of Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu reached 98.3 %, 93.7 %, 88.7 %, and 66.3 %, while the Fe leaching efficiency was only 0.9 %. The analysis of the mechanism shows that the Mn in oceanic cobalt-rich crusts first formed (NH4)2Mn2(SO4)3 during roasting and then decomposed to MnSO4; Co, Ni, and Cu first formed (NH4)2Co2(SO4)3, (NH4)2Ni2(SO4)3, (NH4)2Cu3(SO4)4 and then decomposed to their respective sulfates; Fe first formed (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3 and finally decomposed to Fe2O3. Ammonia released during the roasting process can be absorbed with dilute sulfuric acid and then regenerated (NH4)2SO4 with an ammonia recovery of 87.3 %. The process proposed in this study is not only efficient, clean, and selective, but also achieves full component recovery from oceanic cobalt-rich crusts, with obvious environmental and economic advantages over the traditional reduction roasting-acid/ammonia leaching.

СТИМУЛИРОВАНИЕ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ЛЕСНОЙ ЭКОСИСТЕМЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ БОРЬБЫ С КЛИМАТИЧЕСКИМИ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯМИ

This article reveals the problems and ways to solve them related to the sustainable development of forestry in the face of climate change. Vector global trends, such as global climate change and the growth of anthropogenic pressure, entail a huge negative impact on the environment, in the form of degradation of natural ecosystems and a reduction in their biological diversity. The processes of depletion of natural mineral resources, water, land, and forest resources increase the likelihood of environmental disasters, as well as lead to hazardous natural phenomena with a subsequent negative effect on the economic and social components of the life of the population in a country or region. The forest ecosystem, as a global natural phenomenon and part of the economy of nature management, not only satisfies the resource needs of mankind, but is also of great importance for maintaining the integrity and maintaining the sustainability of the existence of the biosphere in the processes of sequestration and storage of carbon and, consequently, in reducing the greenhouse effect and mitigating the effects of climate change. Our analysis of the forest ecosystem is based on an indicative in the form of nature-adapted solutions in the field of sustainable development. As part of the study, based on the analysis of literary sources, the main reasons hindering the sustainable development of forestry were identified. The need to create conditions in the form of conceptual foundations for the sustainable development of "nature-like" forestry, such as: sustainable economic development, sustainable development of the environment and culture, is noted.

Impact of renewable energy and agriculture on mineral resources rents: Do economic and environmental aspects matter

The global shift towards renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices has gained significant momentum in recent years. This transition has not only been driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change but also by the potential economic benefits and the conservation of mineral resources. The impact of renewable energy and agriculture on mineral resource rents is a significant issue today. With the increasing concern of global warming, reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy sources is more pressing than ever. As a result, there is growing interest in using renewable energy sources and agricultural practices to replace the traditional use of mineral resources. This paper examines the impact of renewable energy and agriculture productivity on mineral resource rents in China from 1971 to 2019, using economic growth and total greenhouse gas emissions as moderating variables. The result explains that mineral depletion, agriculture value-added, and economic growth are positively associated with natural resources, while fossil fuel energy consumption and CO2 emissions are negatively associated with natural resources. The policy implications of mineral depletion in China are concerning. In order to address the issue, China needs to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the depletion of mineral resources and its effects on the environment and economy. In particular, developing strategies to reduce the reliance on coal power and to encourage more sustainable energy sources should be a priority. Policies to protect and restore agricultural land and water quality should also be implemented.

Life cycle assessment of a two-seater all-electric aircraft

PurposeAviation is an important contributor to climate change and other environmental problems. Electrification is one option for reducing the environmental impacts of aviation. The aim of this study is to provide the first life cycle assessment (LCA) results representing an existing commercial, two-seater, all-electric aircraft.MethodsAn attributional cradle-to-grave LCA was conducted with a functional unit of 1 h flight time. Data and records from an aircraft manufacturer informed much of the study. Detailed modelling of important aircraft components is provided, including the battery, motor, inverter, instrument panel and seats. Impact results are compared to those from a similar but fossil fuel–based two-seater aircraft. A wide range of impact categories was considered, while the focus was on global warming, resource depletion, particulate matter, acidification and ozone formation.Results and discussionThe main contributors to almost all impact categories are the airframe, the lithium-ion battery and emissions (in the use phase). The airframe has a major impact as it contains energy-intensive, carbon fibre–reinforced composites, the impact of which can be reduced by recycling. The battery dominates mineral resource depletion categories and contributes notably to emission-based categories. Producing batteries using non-fossil energy or shifting to less resource-intensive, next-generation batteries would reduce their impact. Use-phase impacts can be reduced by sourcing non-fossil electricity. Despite the need for multiple battery pack replacements, the comparison with the fossil fuel option (based on equal lifetimes) still showed the electric aircraft contributing less to global warming, even in a high-carbon electricity scenario. By contrast, when it concerned mineral resources, the electric aircraft had greater impact than the fossil fuel based one.ConclusionsA sufficiently long lifetime is key to bringing the all-electric aircraft’s environmental impacts (such as global warming) below those of fossil fuel–based aircraft. The high burden of the airframe and batteries can then be outweighed by the benefit of more efficient and emission-free electric propulsion. However, this comes with a trade-off in terms of increased mineral resource use.

Impact of mineral resource depletion on energy use: Role of energy extraction, CO2 intensity, and natural resource sustainability

The depletion of mineral resources directly impacts energy use, affecting energy extraction, CO2 intensity, and natural resource sustainability. This, in turn, affects the ability of countries to meet their energy needs, as well as their ability to remain environmentally sustainable. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that countries have access to the minerals needed to extract and produce energy to reduce the impact of mineral resource depletion on energy use. This paper examines the nexus between mineral depletion and energy use in China from 1971 to 2019, using energy depletion, CO2 intensity, and natural resource sustainability as moderating variables. The result shows that energy use positively relates to mineral depletion, energy depletion, and CO2 intensity. Furthermore, energy use is negatively related to natural resource sustainability. This indicates that mineral depletion, energy depletion, and CO2 intensity increase as energy use increases while natural resource sustainability decreases. An increase of 1% in mineral depletion in China results in an increase of 0.326651% in energy consumption. Energy use in China increases by 0.487448% for every 1% increase in energy depletion. A 1% increase in CO2 intensity in China leads to a 1.5866531% increase in energy use. Increasing the sustainability of natural resources in China by just 1% can result in a 0.924807% decrease in energy consumption. Policymakers are suggested to employ strategies to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and promote using alternative resources. Governments and organizations must also ensure that natural resources are not depleted beyond repair to ensure that future generations can access the necessary resources.

Study on the Life Cycle Assessment of Automotive Power Batteries Considering Multi-Cycle Utilization

This article utilizes the research method of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to scrutinize Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and Ternary Lithium (NCM) batteries. It develops life cycle models representing the material, energy, and emission flows for power batteries, exploring the environmental impact and energy efficiency throughout the life cycles of these batteries. The life cycle assessment results of different power battery recycling process scenarios are compared and analyzed. This study focuses on retired LFP batteries to assess the environmental and energy efficiency during the cascade utilization stage, based on a 50% Single-Cell Conversion Rate (CCR). The findings of the research reveal that, in terms of resource depletion and environmental emission potential, LFP batteries exhibit lower impacts compared to NCM batteries. The use of hydrometallurgy in recovering LFP power batteries leads to minimal life cycle resource consumption and environmental emission potential. During the cascade utilization stage of LFP batteries, significant benefits are noted, including a 76% reduction in mineral resource depletion (ADP e) and an 83% reduction in fossil energy depletion (ADP f), alongside notable reductions in various environmental impact factors. Simultaneously, considering the sensitivity of life cycle assessment indicators and their benefit percentages to different CCRs, it is observed that ODP exhibits the highest sensitivity to CCR changes, while evaluation indicators such as HTP, AP, and GWP show relatively lower sensitivity. This study can provide an effective reference for the establishment of an energy saving and emission reduction evaluation system of power batteries.

Mechanical Properties of a Bio-Composite Produced from Two Biomaterials: Polylactic Acid and Brown Eggshell Waste Fillers

An option to reduce the exploitation and depletion of natural mineral resources is to repurpose current waste materials. Fillers are often added to polymers to improve the properties and lower the overall cost of the final product. Very few studies have assessed the use of waste brown eggshell powder (BESP) as filler in polylactic acid (PLA). The addition of mineral fillers in a polymer matrix can play an important role in the performance of a composite under load. Therefore, tailoring the amount of filler content can be a deciding factor as to which filler amount is best. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of brown eggshells compared to conventional limestone (LS) powder on the mechanical properties of PLA composites. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to carry out the statistical analysis on the average values of each composite mechanical property tested. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to view if there were any differences in the fractured surfaces. Overall, the LS performed marginally better than the BESP fillers. The highest ultimate tensile and ultimate flexural strengths for eggshell composites containing 32 µm fillers had values of 48 MPa (5–10 wt.% BESP) and 67 MPa (10 wt.%. BESP), respectively. Both the tensile and flexural modulus improved with filler contents and were highest at 20 wt.% with values of 4.5 GPa and 3.4 GPa, respectively. The Charpy impact strength decreased for all filler amounts. SEM micrographs identified changes in the fractured surfaces due to the additions of the filler materials. The ANOVA results showed statistically significant differences for the composite materials. After five weeks of soaking in distilled water, the composites containing 20 wt.% BESP fillers had the highest weight gain. The study demonstrated that waste brown eggshells in powdered form can be used as a filler in PLA composites.

Mineral resources depletion, environmental degradation, and exploitation of natural resources: COVID-19 aftereffects

Mineral resources are essential to our everyday lives but are finite and can be depleted if not managed responsibly. Unfortunately, many natural resources have been exploited and depleted due to unsustainable mining practices and over-consumption. This has led to environmental degradation in many parts of the world, with deforestation, air and water pollution, and soil erosion as expected consequences. This paper explores the impacts of mineral resource depletion and environmental degradation on natural resource uses in China from 1971 to 2018, considering the impact of general government final consumption expenditure from the perspective of COVID-19 aftereffects. Mineral resource depletion is negatively associated with natural resource rents in China. Environmental degradation and economic growth increase natural resource rents, depicting that as resources become scarcer, the rents associated with natural resources also increase. Governments must ensure that regulations are in place to protect the environment, invest in renewable energy sources, and support businesses transitioning from resource-intensive production. These policies will help ensure the environment is protected and resources are used responsibly and sustainably. Research limitations and future directions are discussed.

Foundation of a framework for evaluating the impact of mining technological innovation on a company's market value

Technological innovation development plays a pivotal role in mineral economics. History shows that the difference between a mineral deposit's economic status and its uneconomic status lies in the mining technological innovation most prevalent in each phase of technological development. The significance of mining technology is that it curbs the negative impact of mineral deposit depletion by improving productivity, thereby keeping mineral exploitation profitable. This relationship makes it imperative to develop a framework that utilises this concept to sustain mining in the future. The framework will incorporate the benefits of technological innovation implementation to demonstrate its impact on a company's share price. It will help public investors understand share price performance while serving as an additional internal new technology investment approval tool.This paper demonstrates how applying technological development and innovation affects mining processes and its economics. This relationship is evident throughout the four historical mining technological stages, which started in the 18th Century with mechanisation, then remote control, automation, and currently, autonomous technology systems. At each stage, the need for a more productive technology arose as the effects of mineral resources depletion threatened mining's profitability. Thus, it can be judged that the future of mining profitability lies in the current advanced technologies that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Nonetheless, while mineral commodity miners profit and firm market values grow, the growth is not empirically linked to the technological innovation development that drives it. Conversely, in other industries, the firm's technological development innovation resultant economic metrics, along with macroeconomic factors, are captured and empirically linked to stock market value. This exposes a gap in the financial impact evaluation of mining technology innovation implementation. Therefore, this paper explores the possibility of developing that framework for the mining industry by identifying improved productivity and cost metrics, profit margin growth, and the resultant share price performance.

Spatial response relationship between mining and industrial activities and eco-environmental risks in mineral resource-based areas.

Mining and industrial activities in mineral resource-based areas are important sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil, which lead to spatial heterogeneity in regional eco-environmental risks. In this study, we analysed the spatial response relationship between mining and industrial activities and eco-environmental risks using Anselin local Moran's I index and bivariate local Moran's I index. The results showed that the proportions of moderate, moderate to strong, and strong pollution of PTEs in the study area reached 30.9%. The high clusters of PTEs ranged from 5.4 to 13.6%, and were mainly distributed around cities. The influence of different types of metal mines on eco-environmental risks was nonferrous metal mines > precious metal mines > ferrous metal mines. In turn, that of different pollution enterprises was manufacturing industry > other industries > power and thermal industries. Our research demonstrates that there was a significant spatial response relationship between densities of mines and enterprises and eco-environmental risk level. High-density metal mines (5.3/100 km2) and high-density pollution enterprises (10.3/100 km2) resulted in the local high risk. Consequently, this study provides a basis for regional eco-environmental risk management of mineral resource-based areas. With the gradual depletion of mineral resources, high-density pollution enterprise area should be paid more attention to, which would pose a threat not only to the environment but also to population health.

Life cycle environmental impact assessment of lab-scale preparation of porous alumina pellets as substrate for hydrogen separation metal layer-based membranes

PurposeThe study aimed to identify the environmental hotspots of lab-scale preparation of high purity porous Al2O3 pellets with suitable feature to work properly as metal layer-based deposition substrates for hydrogen separation membranes. The work intention was providing hints that may help the designing of upscaled systems, fundamental for the development of a possible future industrial production of hydrogen separation metal layer-based membranes technology.MethodsThe goal of this study was achieved assessing and analyzing environmental impacts of Al2O3 pellet production at lab scale. Primary data were collected in Padua laboratories of National Research Council of Italy. Secondary data were retrieved from Ecoinvent 3.7 database. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed using Environmental Footprint 3.0 method employing SimaPro 9.3 as software. Moreover, the CML LCIA method v. 4.7 was used to verify the robustness analysis of characterized results.ResultsLife cycle impact assessment highlighted as the main driver of environmental impacts was mainly associated to the pellet consolidation process and their morphological characterization stage. In particular, the impact of the first energy consuming process resulted strictly related to the peculiar energy mix used (linked to the laboratory geographical location). Conversely, morphological characterization stage was found to affect mainly the mineral resource depletion category due to the Au coating used for performing scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses.ConclusionsThe study identified the environmental hotspots related to lab-scale preparation of porous alumina pellets as substrate for hydrogen separation metal layer-based membranes. The optimization strategies evaluated in this work were addressed to improve the environmental profile of experimental activities considering several scenarios, in view of a possible industrial scale-up.