Problematic aspects and potentialities of applying the principles of a circular economy in the mining industry

• Published in: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
• Main Author: Knysh, V A
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: IOP Publishing 2020
• Subjects: Arctic; Kola Peninsula; kola peninsula
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012065; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012065/pdf; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/539/1/012065

Abstract The concept of a circular economy (CE) gradually penetrates into various spheres of production and consumption as part of the “Green Course” ideology, ensuring sustainable development in the long term. The mining sector cannot be called interested in transforming the linear economy into a more resource-efficient circular economy using regeneration systems. The idea of cyclical recovery of values from waste and used products in closed supply chains is aimed at minimizing the use of scarce primary resources. The mining sector actors perceive this idea as a threat rather than an opportunity to improve their market position. Along with the drivers there are barriers and bottlenecks that impede the implementation of CE principles in the mining industry. There are very few studies related to development or adaptation of circular business models for mining companies. The aim of the work is to analyze the possibilities of applying the principles of CE in the Russian mining industry, taking into account European experience. Mineral extraction waste considerably affects the environment and can be a potential source of raw materials. Environmental problems associated with mining are acute in Arctic mining regions such as the Kola Peninsula. For struggling against wastes and harmful emissions the state began applying environmental regulations based on the best available technologies. In the metal ores mining segment, there are certain prerequisites for forming circular business models based on revealing the relationship between separate elements of the CE concept and introduction of BAT. The presence of such opportunities allows a consistent review of production waste within the CE framework, as well as linking the principles of circularity with the strategies for innovative development of mining enterprises to adapt them to new external challenges.