puc-header

Measuring the Economic Performance of Virgin and Urban Mining for Copper and Aluminum

22 Pages Posted: 20 Feb 2020 Publication Status: Review Complete

See all articles by Tongxin Xiao

Tongxin Xiao

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC)

Guijuan Shan

Yale University - School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

Eva Albalghiti

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC)

Jinhui Li

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control

Xianlai Zeng

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control

More...

Abstract

Virgin mining is rapidly becoming unsustainable as primary resources are in increasingly short supply and energy consumption continues to increase. Urban mining for scrap metal has emerged as a promising option for securing copper and aluminum resources. However, the sustainability and viability of this industry are heavily dependent on its profitability. Here, we demonstrate the economic benefits of urban mining for three types of urban mines: e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, and waste wiring and cables. The material and cost flows associated with urban mining are examined. Through cost-benefit analysis, the cost of obtaining one ton of copper or aluminum is found to be, on average, 3,000 US$ or 1,660 US$, which is significantly lower than the cost of virgin mining. Moreover, in terms of the economic performance, copper may differ tremendously from aluminum depending on the type of urban mines.

Keywords: Copper, Aluminum, Cost-benefit analysis, Urban mining, Virgin mining, Circular economy

Suggested Citation

Xiao, Tongxin and Shan, Guijuan and Albalghiti, Eva and Li, Jinhui and Zeng, Xianlai, Measuring the Economic Performance of Virgin and Urban Mining for Copper and Aluminum. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3537941 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3537941
This version of the paper has not been formally peer reviewed.

Tongxin Xiao

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC)

Beijing
China

Guijuan Shan

Yale University - School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

New Haven, CT 06511
United States

Eva Albalghiti

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC)

Beijing
China

Jinhui Li

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control ( email )

Beijing
China

Xianlai Zeng (Contact Author)

Tsinghua University - State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control ( email )

Beijing
China

Click here to go to Cell.com

Paper statistics

Downloads
24
Abstract Views
439
PlumX Metrics