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How to Identify Potentials and Barriers of Raw Materials Recovery from Tailings? Part I: A UNFC-Compliant Screening Approach for Site Selection

Author

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  • Rudolf Suppes

    (Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering (MRE), RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstr. 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany
    CBM GmbH—Gesellschaft für Consulting, Business und Management mbH, Horngasse 3, 52064 Aachen, Germany)

  • Soraya Heuss-Aßbichler

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstr. 41, 80333 Munich, Germany)

Abstract

Mapping the raw material (RM) potential of anthropogenic RMs, such as tailings, requires a comprehensive assessment and classification. However, a simple procedure to quickly screen for potentially viable RMs recovery projects similar to reconnaissance exploration of natural mineral RMs is missing. In this article, a quick and efficient approach to systematically screen tailings storage facilities (TSFs) is presented to evaluate if a particular TSF meets the criteria to be assessed in a more advanced study including costly on-site exploration. Based on aspects related to a TSF’s contents, physical structure, surroundings, potential environmental and social impacts, and potentially affected stakeholders, it guides its user in compiling the information at local scale in a structured manner compliant with the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC). The test application to the TSF Bollrich (Germany), situated in a complex environment close to various stakeholders, demonstrates that a quick and remote assessment with publicly accessible information is possible. Since an assessment of tailings under conventional classification codes from the primary mining industry neglects relevant aspects, it is concluded that tailings should be considered as anthropogenic RMs. The developed screening approach can help to create a TSF inventory which captures project potentials and barriers comprehensively.

Suggested Citation

  • Rudolf Suppes & Soraya Heuss-Aßbichler, 2021. "How to Identify Potentials and Barriers of Raw Materials Recovery from Tailings? Part I: A UNFC-Compliant Screening Approach for Site Selection," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:10:y:2021:i:3:p:26-:d:518161
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    1. Dino, Giovanna Antonella & Rossetti, Piergiorgio & Perotti, Luigi & Alberto, Walter & Sarkka, Heikki & Coulon, Frédéric & Wagland, Stuart & Griffiths, Zoe & Rodeghiero, Franco, 2018. "Landfill mining from extractive waste facilities: The importance of a correct site characterisation and evaluation of the potentialities. A case study from Italy," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 50-61.
    2. Valero, Alicia & Valero, Antonio & Calvo, Guiomar & Ortego, Abel & Ascaso, Sonia & Palacios, Jose-Luis, 2018. "Global material requirements for the energy transition. An exergy flow analysis of decarbonisation pathways," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 1175-1184.
    3. Rabe, Wiebke & Kostka, Genia & Smith Stegen, Karen, 2017. "China's supply of critical raw materials: Risks for Europe's solar and wind industries?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 692-699.
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    Cited by:

    1. Helene-Marie Stander & Jennifer L. Broadhurst, 2021. "Understanding the Opportunities, Barriers, and Enablers for the Commercialization and Transfer of Technologies for Mine Waste Valorization: A Case Study of Coal Processing Wastes in South Africa," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Rudolf Suppes & Soraya Heuss-Aßbichler, 2021. "How to Identify Potentials and Barriers of Raw Materials Recovery from Tailings? Part II: A Practical UNFC-Compliant Approach to Assess Project Sustainability with On-Site Exploration Data," Resources, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-48, October.

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