1
Compiled by Dr. Joe Herbertson
June 2001
Sustainable Resource
Processing
The
Challenges of Resource Processing
In the overall supply chain of
material needs, resource processing represents a particularly critical
stage for the potential release of gaseous, liquid or solid emissions to nature
Core Challenge
•raw materials from mining are chemically transformed to extract metals, generate power and
produce industrial
materials
•impacts are exacerbated by the utilisation of reagents,
water and fuel
•reaction products are the potential source of wastes and
emissions
In most cases,
primary processing is the major source of emissions
and environmental
impacts in the supply chain
This is highlighted
by the enormous reduction in impacts [typically ~
90%] when recycled materials are used
Note:
In the oil-petrol-transport chain, the major emissions are during
driving not primary processing, precisely because that is the stage of greatest chemical
transformation, ie, fuel combustion