How the Proper Management of Extractive Waste Can Support the Circular Economy

Abstract

The Circular Economy begins at the start of a product’s life cycle. Throughout the life of a product, both the design phase and the manufacturing processes have an influence on sourcing, resource consumption, and waste creation. Article 5.2 (a) and (b) of the Extractive Waste Directive (2006/21/EC) encompasses waste avoidance or reduction and its harmfulness, as well as encourages the recovery of extractive waste via recycling, reusing, or reclaiming, if this is ecologically in conformity with current environmental regulations and technically feasible. After many years of developing Extractive Waste Management Plans by the sector, substantial knowledge has been established across the entire EU that should enable the identification of best practices that merit more widespread implementation across the extractive sector. Two years ago, the European Commission authorized a study to shed light on the practices that strengthen the spirit of the Circular Economy in the field of mineral extraction and its resulting waste streams, applied technologies, and their environmental impacts. This study is focused on (a) the harmfulness of extractive waste generation and its prevention or reduction, (b) the recovery of extractive waste (by recycling, reusing, or reclaiming), as well as (c) the assurance of shortand long-term safe disposal of extractive waste. It is based on the exchange of information among the Member States and extractive industries associations, as well as contact with EU mining companies to determine the best practices used. The present article focuses on achieving a Circular Economy throughout the whole life cycle of an extractive operation and summarizes eight best practices promoting the Circular Economy followed by companies from the extractive sector.