"Urban mine" -- copper recycling
Release time:2022-03-29Click:896
Today's global economy requires the effective use of raw materials and the conservation of materials through reuse and recycling.
On average, copper products contain 35% recyclable components, which greatly reduces the carbon footprint of copper. Unlike other commodities such as energy or food, copper is not consumed.
Since copper will not lose its inherent characteristics in the recovery process, it can be reused under the same performance expectations.
Copper is one of the few materials that can be reused without losing any properties. There is also no difference in quality between recovered copper (secondary production) and mined copper (primary production), so they can be used interchangeably.
Recycling can save carbon dioxide and energy. Recycling copper is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to reintroduce valuable materials into the economy. Copper recovery requires 80% - 90% less energy than primary production.
If recycling is to be effective, innovation is needed. Efforts to support recycling can be implemented in new product design to promote end-of-life recycling and industrial recycling processes and improve overall production. In addition, regulatory policies must continue to encourage recycling and recycling, both at the industry level and at the individual citizen level.
The vast majority (70%) of copper is used in terminal applications because it is the most effective non valuable thermal and electrical conductor. So things with copper work more efficiently.
Copper in the power system can save 100 to 7500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and save users $25000 to $2.5 million in energy costs.
The excellent conductivity and thermal conductivity of copper is the basis of energy efficiency. Copper is the most effective non-contact conductor of heat and electricity, so things containing copper tend to operate more effectively. The vast majority (70%) of copper is used in terminal applications, which benefit from their high level of efficiency.
Energy efficiency is a factor in promoting sustainable development and economic growth. Many of the necessities that define the quality of modern life require energy, which makes energy supply / security crucial for long-term sustainable development. The improvement of energy efficiency will help society reduce the cost of new power generation capacity and limit the pressure on the power grid.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, the recovery of complex waste copper (e.g. e-waste) can also drive the recovery of many other metals, such as gold, silver, nickel, tin, lead and zinc.
Copper has the highest conductivity of all metals except silver. This feature makes copper the preferred material for power generation and transmission (45% usage) - safely and efficiently delivering electricity to homes and businesses.
Electrical equipment that provides circuits, circuits and contacts for electrical and consumer electronic products accounts for 12.5% of copper consumption, and the remaining 12.5% is used in the transportation sector. High purity copper wire bundle systems in trains, cars or trucks transmit current from the battery to various parts of the vehicle, such as lights, central locking, on-board computers and satellite navigation systems.
Another 20% of copper is used for building pipes, roofs and cladding. Copper is light, durable and durable.
The remaining 10% is used for coins, sculptures, jewelry, musical instruments, cooking utensils and other consumer goods.
This huge copper reserve, contained in a variety of end uses, is equivalent to the output of the mine in recent 30 years. It is usually called the "urban mine" of the society.
Recycling not only helps to meet the annual demand for copper, but also saves valuable natural resources, energy and carbon dioxide emissions.