Copper circular economy: Challenges of the energy and digital transition

Torrubia, Jorge (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Valero, Alicia (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Copper is one of the key metals required for the digital and energy transition and so its demand will increase in the coming years. However, primary extraction poses increasing environmental problems because of the progressive decline in the mineral concentration of copper deposits (ore grade). In this context, electronic waste is becoming a very promising source of secondary copper. However, this form of copper recovery presents a number of technological and chemical challenges, including the use of renewable energy, separation of plastics from other waste, and increasing process efficiency. Given the thermodynamic limitations of these processes, other non-technological factors are becoming very important in the transition.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.7203/metode.15.27181

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Mètode. Annual review 15 (2024), 57-63
ISSN: 2174-3487

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Máquinas y Motores Térmi. (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)