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Circularity Reinforcement of Critical Raw Materials in Europe: A Case of Niobium

Author

Listed:
  • Theresa Rennenberg

    (University of Twente)

  • Yifei Yu

    (University of Twente)

  • Luca Fraccascia

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Devrim Murat Yazan

    (University of Twente)

Abstract

Critical Raw Materials attract increasing attention due to their depleting reserves and low recyclability. Niobium, one of the most rare and vital elements, is primarily found in Brazil. This research explores the potential impact of Circular Economy (CE) strategies on mitigating niobium's criticality within Europe. First, a niobium supply chain is designed and analysed by Enterprise Input–Output modelling. Second, the supply risk is calculated based on the criticality matrix proposed by the European Commission under three scenarios associated with resources, technologies, and policies. The results show that urban mining is a potential solution to reduce niobium’s criticality and mitigate its environmental impacts. A higher recycling input rate and/or a mix of recycling and substitution strategies is necessary to offset niobium’s criticality. Aligned with the CE action plan, the research offers a scientific foundation to strategically prevent the risk of niobium supply shortages.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa Rennenberg & Yifei Yu & Luca Fraccascia & Devrim Murat Yazan, 2024. "Circularity Reinforcement of Critical Raw Materials in Europe: A Case of Niobium," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(4), pages 2449-2472, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:4:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00369-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00369-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Devrim Murat Yazan & Luca Fraccascia, 2020. "Sustainable operations of industrial symbiosis: an enterprise input-output model integrated by agent-based simulation," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(2), pages 392-414, January.
    2. Wang, H. & Pan, Chen & Wang, Qunwei & Zhou, P., 2020. "Assessing sustainability performance of global supply chains: An input-output modeling approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 285(1), pages 393-404.
    3. Will McDowall & Yong Geng & Beijia Huang & Eva Barteková & Raimund Bleischwitz & Serdar Türkeli & René Kemp & Teresa Doménech, 2017. "Circular Economy Policies in China and Europe," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(3), pages 651-661, June.
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