The global demand for resources like gold, copper, and cobalt continues to grow due to technological advancements. Traditional mining remains crucial but comes with significant environmental challenges. Urban mining, which involves recovering valuable materials from electronic waste, offers a more sustainable alternative.
Mining: Necessary but environmentally taxing
More than 85% of copper and gold and nearly 95% of lithium and cobalt are extracted through traditional mining. This method causes deforestation, CO2 emissions, and groundwater pollution. Additionally, reserves are becoming scarcer, increasing the need for alternatives like urban mining.
Urban mining: A growing alternative
Urban mining recovers valuable metals from discarded electronic devices. Currently, it only provides 10% to 15% of copper and gold and less than 5% of lithium and cobalt. With improved technology and collection systems, this share is expected to grow.
Limitations of urban mining Poor collection systems:
- A significant portion of e-waste is not properly collected or is illegally processed.
- Technical challenges: Separating complex metals requires advanced technologies.
- High costs: Urban mining is often more expensive than traditional mining.
Urban mining and traditional mining: Complementary approaches
Urban mining will not completely replace traditional mining in the short term but is seen as a vital complement. Studies predict that by 2035, around 25% of copper and 30% of gold could come from urban mining. By combining both approaches, we can better meet resource demands while minimizing environmental impact.
How Out of Use contributes
At Out of Use, we maximize the reuse of discarded IT equipment such as laptops and servers. When reuse is not possible, we ensure sustainable recycling with certified data deletion and maximum recovery of valuable materials like gold, copper, and silver. Thanks to our WEEELABEX certification, we guarantee a fully transparent recycling process.
More information about our recycling services