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Mapping anthropogenic mineral generation in China and its implications for a circular economy

Author

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  • Xianlai Zeng

    (Tsinghua University
    Yale University)

  • Saleem H. Ali

    (University of Delaware
    University of Queensland
    United Nations Environment Programme)

  • Jinping Tian

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Jinhui Li

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Anthropogenic mineral is absorbing wide concern in the context of circular economy, but its generation mechanism and quantity from product to waste remain unclear. Here we consider three product groups, 30 products, and use the revised Weibull lifespan model to map the generation of anthropogenic mineral and 23 types of the capsulated materials by targeting their evolution from 2010 to 2050. Total weight of anthropogenic mineral on average in China reached 39 Mt in 2010, but it will double in 2022 and quadruple in 2045. Stocks of precious metals and rare earths will increase faster than most base materials. The total economic potential in yearly-generated anthropogenic mineral is anticipated to grow markedly from 100 billion US$ in 2020 to 400 billion US$ in 2050. Furthermore, anthropogenic mineral of around 20 materials will be capable to meet projected consumption of three product groups by 2050.

Suggested Citation

  • Xianlai Zeng & Saleem H. Ali & Jinping Tian & Jinhui Li, 2020. "Mapping anthropogenic mineral generation in China and its implications for a circular economy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-15246-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15246-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Eheliyagoda, Disna & Li, Jinhui & Geng, Yong & Zeng, Xianlai, 2022. "The role of China's aluminum recycling on sustainable resource and emission pathways," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    2. Sun, Qiao & Wang, Chang & Zhou, Yifang & Zuo, Lyushui & Song, Huiling, 2023. "How to build business ecosystems for e-waste online recycling platforms: A comparative study of two typical cases in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    3. Xin Nie & Jianxian Wu & Han Wang & Weijuan Li & Chengdao Huang & Lihua Li, 2022. "Contributing to carbon peak: Estimating the causal impact of eco‐industrial parks on low‐carbon development in China," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(4), pages 1578-1593, August.
    4. Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2023. "Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, July.
    5. Li, Shupeng & Wang, Zhe & Yue, Qiang & Zhang, Tingan, 2022. "Analysis of the quantity and spatial characterization of aluminum in-use stocks in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    6. Ziyan Gao & Yong Geng & Xianlai Zeng & Xu Tian & Tianli Yao & Xiaoqian Song & Chang Su, 2022. "Evolution of the anthropogenic chromium cycle in China," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(2), pages 592-608, April.
    7. Yu Qi & Ruying Gong & Xianlai Zeng & Junfeng Wang, 2022. "Examining the Temporal and Spatial Models of China’s Circular Economy Based upon Detailed Data of E-Plastic Recycling," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-10, February.
    8. Song, Xiaoqian & Geng, Yong & Zhang, Yuquan & Zhang, Xi & Gao, Ziyan & Li, Minghang, 2022. "Dynamic potassium flows analysis in China for 2010–2019," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    9. Ge, Zewen & Geng, Yong & Wei, Wendong & Zhong, Chen, 2022. "Assessing samarium resource efficiency in China: A dynamic material flow analysis," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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