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Green Revolution: Mining Drives Circular Economy with Recycling and Reverse Logistics!
Discover how mining is leading a transformation towards sustainability through recycling and reverse logistics.
A circular economy is gaining momentum as pressure for sustainable practices grows. At the center of this movement, mining stands out by incorporating methodologies such as recycling and reuse, which are fundamental to a greener future. In 2023, companies around the world are investing in technologies that enable efficient reverse logistics, ensuring that valuable materials are reintegrated into the production cycle. This process not only optimizes resources, but also drastically reduces waste, solidifying mining as a pillar of sustainability.
Determined to reduce their carbon footprint, mining industry leaders are taking bold steps to transform traditional practices into innovative approaches. According to recent studies, the mining industry has already seen a 30% reduction in natural resource use through the implementation of circular economy strategies, including the recycling of precious metals. In September 2023, Swedish mining giant Boliden announced a partnership with electrification solutions giant ABB to develop low-carbon zinc solutions, which are essential in a society undergoing energy transition.
Sustainable Transformation in the Extractive Industry: The Future of Pioneering Mining
With the aim of fueling a more sustainable society, mining is integrating the reverse logistic in their daily operations. This system enables the return of equipment and waste to the production cycle, allowing recovery and recycling to become an integral part of the production process. By 2024, more than 65% of mining companies are expected to have implemented this strategy, driving a unprecedented transformation in the use of resources, while ensuring a proactive response to environmental regulatory demands.
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Notably, several geopolitical events, such as the Climate Summit in November 2023, have put pressure on the industry to accelerate this shift. Major corporations such as Glencore and Rio Tinto are already focusing their efforts on achieving ambitious net-zero carbon targets by 2030. Traditional mining, once seen as harmful to the environment, is now being rethought through technological innovations that offer a lower environmental impact.
With leaders driven by ESG and digitalization trends, mining is becoming an engine of innovation that exceeds expectations for sustainable growth. The transition to renewable energy is facilitating a more conscious and balanced expansion, ensuring that the sector not only survives but thrives. By 2025, automation and green practices are expected to form the core of an efficient modern mining industry. deeply rooted in environmental ethics. Studies information is based on recent Bloomberg Wood Mackenzie data.
Circular Economy in Energy Distribution
The collaboration between technology and mining giants is transforming the electrical infrastructure, promoting a truly circular and sustainable economy. The Swedish mining and smelting company, together with major partners, is integrating low-carbon zinc into its low-voltage power distribution systems. This zinc, with a carbon footprint 75% lower than traditional zinc, is revolutionizing the market by increasing the environmental sustainability of electrical solutions. This tecnologic innovation is crucial for a fossil-free society, promoting the recycling and reuse of materials.
Low-carbon zinc not only galvanizes steel structures with corrosion protection for up to 100 years, but also maximizes their durability, contributing to environmental sustainability. The collaboration with ABB is crucial in the electrification and optimization of value chain Boliden’s operations, which uses renewable energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to just 1,0 kg per kg of metal produced, representing a significant reduction compared to the industry average of 3,6 kg. This approach reinforces the importance of reverse logistics and value of partnerships.
Technological Advances in the Value Chain
ABB’s power distribution solutions, now galvanized with Boliden’s low-carbon zinc, are visible in the mines where zinc ore is extracted. Massimiliano Cifalitti, President of ABB Smart Power, said: “We are committed to helping industries achieve greater efficiency.” energy efficiency and sustainability.' The collaboration with Boliden is an example of the value of partnerships in favor of the energy transition and the circular economy, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of its solutions.
Daniel Asplund, Sales Manager Zinc at Boliden, highlights the commitment of mining and smelting operations to achieve high productivity with lower climate impact. The partnership demonstrates how both leaders, ABB and Boliden, are electrifying a large part of their activities, emphasizing the role of technological innovation in driving efficiency improvements.
Sustainable Investments and Future Initiatives
Having ABB products manufactured using its own low-carbon zinc at Boliden’s facilities symbolizes responsibility within the value chain. ABB aims to cover 80 percent of its product lines and solutions with its Circularity Approach by 2030. This strategy includes transitioning to materials with a lower carbon footprint and more sustainable alternatives for its customers, championing the circular economy as a core element.
ABB’s Kabeldon distribution cabinets, designed to withstand the harshest of outdoor environments, keep neighborhoods, electric vehicle chargers, renewable energy facilities, factories and mines around the world connected. These cabinets now feature a Verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), underscoring full transparency and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Engineering and Digitalization Connection
Now galvanized and available in low-carbon steel, Kabeldon also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of energy infrastructure. ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation technology, stands out in enabling a more efficient and sustainable future. By combining its expertise in technological innovation and digitalization, ABB helps industry operate efficiently, productively and sustainably, always striving for high performance.
The company is proud of its 140-year history and its extensive workforce of more than 105.000 employees around the world. ABB shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB), reflecting its global market influence.
ABB Electrification and Sustainability
As a global technology leader, ABB Electrification enables the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50.000 employees in 100 countries, ABB collaborates with customers and partners to address the world’s biggest challenges in power distribution and energy management. In the context of an accelerating energy transition, ABB prioritizes the safe, smart and sustainable electrification of the world, promoting the circular economy.
By pushing customers and partners to push boundaries and achieve greater efficiency, ABB sets an example in the industry, supported by its passion for technological innovation and sustainability. Boliden shares this vision, striving to be the most respected and environmentally responsible supplier on the planet.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Boliden is a leading European producer of sustainable metals, guided by values such as care, courage and responsibility in its activities, which include exploration, mining, smelting and recycling. With approximately 6.000 employees and an annual revenue of around SEK 80 billion, the company is listed in the Large Cap segment of NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, reflecting its continued strength and commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. It is through these initiatives that Boliden reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation in the sector.
Source: BOLIDEN Press
