The Metal Bank: A Management Model for Rare Mineral Resources in a Circular Economy

Bardi, Ugo, Jakobi, Rolf and Hettiarachchi, Hiroshan (2017). The Metal Bank: A Management Model for Rare Mineral Resources in a Circular Economy. Policy Brief. United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES).

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  • Sub-type Policy brief
    Author Bardi, Ugo
    Jakobi, Rolf
    Hettiarachchi, Hiroshan
    Title The Metal Bank: A Management Model for Rare Mineral Resources in a Circular Economy
    Series Title Policy Brief
    Volume/Issue No. 01/2017
    Publication Date 2017
    Place of Publication Dresden
    Publisher United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
    Pages 4
    Language eng
    Abstract The depletion of “high-grade” mineral deposits has resulted in increasing extractive costs and diminishing economic returns. The market reacts to this situation with either high prices, which depress demand, or sudden drops in prices (such as happened with crude oil in 2014). Such drops reduce or eliminate profits for the mining industry, which in turn is forced to reduce production. As a consequence, it is increasingly difficult to manage the remaining mineral resources in a way that ensures sufficient supply for the economy and avoids price shocks. This is particularly important for rare metals, such as those needed by the electronics manufacturing industry. A promising long-term strategy to eliminate the depletion problem is to move to a so-called “circular” economy, where all the resources used in manufacturing are completely recycled. One potential solution is stockpiling. The metal bank concept, explained in this policy brief, is a closely controlled stockpiling method that fundamentally follows the principles of circular economy. Metal banks keep rare metals and other similar critical mineral resources stored above ground and readily available to provide a buffer against price and supply shocks.
    Copyright Holder United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
    Copyright Year 2017
    Copyright type All rights reserved
    ISBN 9783944863528
    DOI 10.53325/DXWR6615
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    Created: Wed, 19 Apr 2017, 09:57:47 JST by Rachad Nassar on behalf of UNU FLORES