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Limitations of applying life cycle assessment to complex co-product systems: The case of an integrated precious metals smelter-refinery

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  • Stamp, Anna
  • Althaus, Hans-Jörg
  • Wäger, Patrick A.

Abstract

Integrated smelter-refineries play an important role in the recovery of multiple metals from complex primary and secondary materials, and hence in closing metals cycles. Processes in these facilities are strongly interconnected, dynamic, and multifunctional, which challenges a typical representation in life cycle assessment (LCA). This is especially true when LCA is applied to calculate the environmental profile of single metals products.

Suggested Citation

  • Stamp, Anna & Althaus, Hans-Jörg & Wäger, Patrick A., 2013. "Limitations of applying life cycle assessment to complex co-product systems: The case of an integrated precious metals smelter-refinery," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 85-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:80:y:2013:i:c:p:85-96
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.09.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Stamp, Anna & Wäger, Patrick A. & Hellweg, Stefanie, 2014. "Linking energy scenarios with metal demand modeling–The case of indium in CIGS solar cells," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 156-167.
    2. Neill Bartie & Lucero Cobos-Becerra & Magnus Fröhling & Rutger Schlatmann & Markus Reuter, 2022. "Metallurgical infrastructure and technology criticality: the link between photovoltaics, sustainability, and the metals industry," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 35(3), pages 503-519, December.

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