LCA case studies to compile background database extraction of mineral resources

2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-187
Author(s):  
Masayuki Sagisaka ◽  
Atsushi Inaba
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Lca Case Studies ◽  
Background Database

scholarly journals Mining Engineers Training: Case Study Method

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 ◽  
pp. 04033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Kolomiets ◽  
Elena Medvedeva ◽  
Alena Perevalova
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
International Exchange ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Technological Modernization

Currently, the minerals’ extractive industries are going through a deep technological modernization, with a characteristic expansion of international exchange of knowledge and know-how. The unification of the equipment used in open-pit and underground mining, the global spread of advanced mining technologies increases the importance of the linguistic competencies of mining engineers. At the same time, the specifics of training mining engineers is the uniqueness of situations in the extraction and processing of mineral resources, which actualizes the case study method in the training of mining engineers. The paper provides a description of the term «case study» and its basic characteristics and principles of application. The content is based on the authors’ own experience of mining engineers in case studies while teaching English. Some examples of case studies for mining engineering students studying English are presented. The paper notes the effectiveness of implementing case study method and shows its benefits for introducing in the process of mining engineers training. In addition to listing positive effects of the method for developing skills necessary for competitive specialists such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, etc., the authors mention possible problems that are likely to occur while using this method as well.

Updated Resource Depletion Characterization Factors for Life Cycle Assessment-Case Studies on Iron and Steel Production in China

2016 ◽  
Vol 847 ◽  
pp. 358-365
Author(s):  
Yan Jiao Zhang ◽  
Feng Gao ◽  
Zhi Hong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Steel Production ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Characterization Factors ◽  
Iron And Steel ◽  
Natural Minerals ◽  
Abiotic Resource ◽  
Iron And Steel Production

In this study, the CML model for resource depletion was updated based on the current status of the mineral resources and the characteristics of relevant statistics in China; and the characterization factors of resource depletion were determined for the majority of natural minerals which are most used in materials industry. Besides, case studies on iron and steel production (BF-BOF and EAF process) were carried out to demonstrate the valid of the modified and localized resource depletion model. The results show that in terms of category, the development of Chinese steel industry is mainly based on the depletion of the natural iron ore and fluorite. The results also show that for BF-BOF process, abiotic resource depletion potential (ADP) in 2012 is 5.26 times of that in 2004; and for the EAF process, ADP in 2012 is 23.6 times of that in 2004. Therefore, the information of ADP needs to be updated at intervals of time.

scholarly journals How Relevant Are Direct Emissions of Microplastics into Freshwater from an LCA Perspective?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9922
Author(s):  
Beatrice Salieri ◽  
Natasha Stoudmann ◽  
Roland Hischier ◽  
Claudia Som ◽  
Bernd Nowack
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Impact Category ◽  
Potential Range ◽  
Small Contribution ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Freshwater Ecotoxicity ◽  
Characterization Factor ◽  
Lca Case Studies ◽  
The Impact

Microplastics are ubiquitous in ecosystems and a lot of research is being performed to understand their environmental fate and effects on organisms. However, the release and impact of MP has so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to missing information on the inventory side about microplastic releases and missing Characterization Factors to quantify the effects of MP. The goal of this study was to elucidate the relevance of MP release into freshwaters from an LCA perspective, by using worst-case assumptions. In accordance with the USEtox framework, an interim and simplified Characterization Factor for the impact category of freshwater ecotoxicity was calculated to be 3231 PAF·m3·d·kg−1. Applying this Characterization Factor, two LCA case studies were conducted, one on a polyester T-Shirt and one with a shower gel containing microplastics. The results show a small contribution of microplastics to the freshwater ecotoxicity for a scenario with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment. Different scenarios varying in microplastic release and removal during wastewater treatment and a sensitivity analysis of the Characterization Factor allowed identifying the potential range of the microplastic contribution to the overall ecotoxicity. In conclusion, the inclusion of microplastic release into LCA only marginally influences the overall environmental effects of the two products in the LCA case studies.

Geological Surveys in the Tropics: The Brazilian Experience (1875-1934)

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Figueirôa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Geological Surveys ◽  
Scientific Organizations ◽  
Geological Sciences ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Way

This paper presents and discusses three case studies of scientific organizations involving geology, based on successive institutional models of geological surveys, namely: the "Geological Commission of Brazil", the "Geographical and Geological Commission of São Paulo", and the "Geological and Mineralogical Survey of Brazil". The issues linked to the exploitation of the land opened the way to the development of geological sciences in Brazil. Contrary to what one might expect, in view of Brazil's considerable mineral resources, the institutionalization of geology was linked more directly to agriculture rather than to mining. It was the interests of agriculture, especially those related to coffee planting, that influenced the direction of research and the results obtained.

scholarly journals The common understanding of simplification approaches in published LCA studies—a review and mapping

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Tasala Gradin ◽  
Anna Björklund
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Inventory Analysis ◽  
Scientific Validity ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
Product Systems ◽  
Lca Practitioners ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Lca Case Studies ◽  
The Common ◽  
Common Understanding

Abstract Purpose This paper aims to investigate the common understanding of the variety of simplifications in LCA, by reviewing what simplification approaches are described in LCA and propose how these simplifications can be categorised. Such an overview can give guidance to researchers/practitioners as to how they should document simplifications and explain their implications to decision-makers. Methods The basis for this study is a systematic literature review of simplification approaches in LCA, including both previously published overviews of categories of LCA simplification approaches and LCA case studies using different simplification approaches. The PRISMA statement protocol (Moher et al. 2009) was used to minimise the risk of bias, increase scientific validity and provide guidelines for conducting the review. Results and discussion In all, ten categories of simplification were identified in the literature. Initially, six simplification approaches were identified based on previous categories. However, not all approaches found in case studies fit into these six previously published categories; these were therefore examined and grouped with regard to what was simplified and how, and four additional categories were identified. The identified simplification categories were mapped and explained in terms of their role in the different stages of the LCA framework. Our results support the idea that simplifications in LCA are most often motivated by a lack of data. Most simplifications target the inventory analysis step, with an aim to reduce the inventory analysis effort. Conclusions and recommendations There is a need for a common simplification terminology and reporting standard. As this study shows, the categories of simplification from early studies remain relevant despite the development in LCA over the years, but additional categories are needed to cover the different types of simplification being applied in LCAs. What this study also highlights is despite recommendations that have been around for decades, there is still a lack of clear documentation of simplification with consistent terminology. One way, to ensure more transparent documentation of simplified studies and to improve the ability to interpret them and compare results, could be to include the development of a communication standard, with clear terminology as well as investigation of the applicability of different simplification approaches for different product systems and application areas. Due to the wide variety of purposes, scenarios and products assessed, it is impossible to devise a one-size-fits-all approach for simplifications. LCA practitioners need to describe, explain and evaluate the simplifications used.

Meeting our future mineral resource needs sustainably – a socio-technical transitions perspective

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nic Bilham
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resource ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
System Level ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
Low Carbon

<p>We rely on minerals for almost everything we do in our lives – from metals of all kinds, used in bulk or in tiny quantities in a huge range of technologies, to construction materials and fertilisers.  Sourcing this ever-growing range of raw minerals depends on a global mining industry, which has historically caused great social and environmental harm, and all too often continues to do so (not least because it is so energy- and water-intensive), despite progress towards addressing these impacts.</p><p>The circular economy (CE) promises more sustainable alternatives to conventional linear production and consumption models in which raw materials are extracted, used and ultimately discarded as waste.  It seeks to minimise waste and environmental harm throughout the supply chain while optimising resource efficiency, and recognises the need to transform the design of products, services and technologies in order to reduce resource use and maximise recoverability for recycling, remanufacture and reuse.  Nonetheless, however rapidly a CE transition is implemented, society will still require significant quantities of primary mined resources.  For instance, many of the elements required for low-carbon energy technologies have not previously been mined and used in significant quantities, so they are simply not (yet) available to recycle.  A transition to a more sustainable and socially just ‘new minerals economy’ must therefore encompass both the emergent circular economy and the mining sector. </p><p>Although there is an urgent need for the mineral resource consumption and production system to undergo a sustainability transition, and despite its deep entanglement with other such socio-technical systems (energy, but also water, food and transport, for instance), it has yet to be addressed in the transitions literature.  Indeed, there has been very little research from any perspective that has considered CE and mining together, or taken a system-level view including both responsible sourcing (by manufacturers) and responsible supply (by mining companies or through CE routes). </p><p>This presentation outlines my ongoing PhD project to develop a preliminary conceptual framework for a socio-technical transition to a ‘new minerals economy’, and to undertake three case studies of actors across the mineral resources system seeking to take a more responsible and sustainable approach encompassing both mined and CE resources – a manufacturer, a mining company and a material stewardship scheme operator.  The research will take an iterative, abductive approach, to develop the preliminary framework while drawing on relevant concepts from the transitions literature to maximise learning opportunities from the case studies. </p>

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