The Public Squares Teams

Metal Production from Primary & Secondary Resources

Metal production from primary and secondary resources: technological, environmental, social, and governance structures towards sustainability and circularity.​ 

The South African mining and metallurgy sectors are strongly influenced by declining ore grades, evolving regulatory requirements, and a shift towards sustainability. This aligns with the global move towards circularity in the metals industry, which promotes recycling from industrial and consumer waste.

Balancing technical, operational, and socio-environmental aspects is crucial for sustainable operations. However, information on secondary metal production impact and regulation is lacking. Moreover, there is a need for the development of recycling technologies and comprehensive legislation. This Public Square will advance interdisciplinary research and collaborations between academia, industry, waste facilities, and policymakers. The goal is to contribute to improved environmental, social, and governance practices in metal production.​