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Importance of Sustainable Mineral Resource Management in Implementing the Circular Economy (CE) Model and the European Green Deal Strategy

Author

Listed:
  • Marzena Smol

    (Faculty of Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, Antoniego Gramatyka 10 str., 30-059 Cracow, Poland)

  • Paulina Marcinek

    (Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Division of Biogenic Raw Materials, Wybickiego 7a str., 31-261 Cracow, Poland)

  • Joanna Duda

    (Faculty of Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, Antoniego Gramatyka 10 str., 30-059 Cracow, Poland)

  • Dominika Szołdrowska

    (Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Division of Biogenic Raw Materials, Wybickiego 7a str., 31-261 Cracow, Poland)

Abstract

The European Green Deal is the new strategy for economic growth adopted by the European Commission (EC) in late 2019. One of the most important tasks in the realisation of this strategy is the mobilisation of the industry for a clean and circular economy (CE). Currently, the European Union (EU) is in the process of transformation towards a CE model, which was announced in 2014. The CE assumes a transition from a linear model based on take–make–dispose to a circular model, in which waste, if it arises, becomes a valuable resource. At the same time, it is recommended to use raw materials (RMs) more efficiently and to recycle them. The EC underlines that both changes in the management of mineral resources in individual member states and their effects should be monitored. Therefore, in 2018, the EC pointed out issues related to RM management as important elements of the monitoring framework in transformation process towards CE. The paper presents strategic directions aimed at sustainable and circular RM management in the EU, with a strong emphasis on the key elements of sustainable development—environmental, economic and social. Moreover, the importance of mineral resources management in the EC in the context of transformation towards the European Green Deal and CE is presented, and the results of selected CE indicators related to the RMs, and indicators that present sustainable RMs management are discussed. The core of the paper is presentation of a set of recommended actions which should be taken in coming years with strong emphasis on the implementation of the sustainable development (SD) principles. RM management faces a number of challenges, primarily in achieving increased levels of critical raw materials (CRMs) recycling, as well as the greater involvement of stakeholders themselves and awareness raising in the field of SD and CE among enterprises operating in the RMs sector. Currently, all member states are working together to accelerate the transformation process in the area of CE and the European Green Deal, e.g., by implementing national CE programs. A great opportunity to accelerate the transformation process is the new financial perspective for projects under the balanced and circular management of RMs—Horizon Europe, which plans to finance the new projects on RMs management and recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Marzena Smol & Paulina Marcinek & Joanna Duda & Dominika Szołdrowska, 2020. "Importance of Sustainable Mineral Resource Management in Implementing the Circular Economy (CE) Model and the European Green Deal Strategy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:9:y:2020:i:5:p:55-:d:354143
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nieć, Marek & Galos, Krzysztof & Szamałek, Krzysztof, 2014. "Main challenges of mineral resources policy of Poland," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 93-103.
    2. Smol, Marzena & Kulczycka, Joanna, 2019. "Towards innovations development in the European raw material sector by evolution of the knowledge triangle," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 453-462.
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