Abstract
As part of global decarbonization efforts needed to combat climate change, the world is rapidly moving to replace many carbon-based aspects of our economy, particularly in terms of the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy production, advanced manufacturing, and the adoption of circularity with respect to the lifecycle, and reuse, of products and materials. EVs, one of the more dominant users of critical minerals, are enabled by very powerful magnets containing rare-earth elements (REE) in their traction motors and advanced electronics. Due to the rapid adoption of EVs alone, it is noted that the demand for REE is expected to double in the next ten years and requires the commissioning of a major REE mine, mill, refinery, and magnet making plant every year. This new production must be developed and delivered through robust and secure supply chains meeting responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations.
While a circular economy approach cannot eliminate the need for increased raw material extraction, it can significantly help in addressing the supply/demand challenge for critical minerals in two ways:
- by reducing the environmental impact of extraction and processing activities, and
- by moderating the need for increased raw material extraction through an increase in recycling and reprocessing of waste streams.
Building on the valuable research and standardization work in support sustainable mining practices that has been advanced by CSA Group over many years, CSA Group is now focusing on addressing knowledge and standardization gaps related to the recycling and reprocessing of critical minerals, more specifically Lithium (Li) and Rare Earth REE, from a variety of waste streams. In the case of Li and REE, activities such as material recovery, reprocessing and recycling from waste streams are technologically complex and significantly hindered by important challenges. As a result, only about 1% of REE and only 5% of Li ion batteries are being recycled today.
In this presentation, CSA Group will showcase how standards research and ongoing international standards work, which Canada participates in through CSA Group, can provide solutions to help increase the recovery and reuse of Lithium and REE from waste, thereby advancing the circular economy.