Urban mining: recovery of metals for a sustainable circular economy

Abstract

Urban mining is presented as a key piece for collecting metal waste and, consequently, converting it into new useful products for use. This conducted study shows the main sources of metals in urban environments, including automotive products, appliances, and electronic waste, as well as the types of metals that can be recycled, such as steel, aluminum, and copper. The available separation technologies were analyzed including: magnetic separation, eddy currents, and density classification; including waste recovery processes such as crushing, smelting, or electrolysis. The reintegration of these metals into the circular economy was studied, highlighting their uses in various industries and the potential to replace the use of primary metals. This work was carried out under a descriptive and analytical study with a mixed approach, combining specialized literature review with the analysis of practical cases in the metal recycling industry. The study concludes by highlighting the socioeconomic impacts of urban mining, emphasizing the need for a fair transformation of the workforce in the face of automation and the importance of equitable distribution of benefits.