The mining industry faces significant losses in valuable minerals and metals smaller than 20 µm due to difficulty related to the recovery of this fraction. Current methods are often unable to recover these fine materials efficiently, leading to waste and reduced resource optimization. Our research focuses on the FineFuture emerging technology designed to address this issue by improving the beneficiation process for fine-grained mineral deposits, thereby promoting sustainability and enhancing economic efficiency within the industry.
The Social Hotspot assessment developed for the analysis, utilized the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database to analyze social hotspots in the relevant industrial sector. In addition, a survey captured the viewpoints of technology developers regarding additional potential social risk and opportunities. The final results were defined by combining these two analyses, conducted according to the 2020 UNEP guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products and Organizations.
For the economic assessment, the Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) methodology (ISO14051) was applied, considering material costs, system costs, energy costs, and waste management costs for both the current situation and a future industrial-scale scenario.
For a more in-depth analysis and a comprehensive review of our findings, we invite you to read the full paper, available at the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. Click here to access the article.