Solar energy, recycling and mining November 9, 2015 Patterns in Environmental Math Fall 2015 David Schwartzman dschwartzman@gmail.com

Global estimates of end-of-life recycling rates for 60 metals and metalloids, circa 2008 [adapted from (6)]. Global estimates of end-of-life recycling rates for 60 metals and metalloids, circa 2008 [adapted from (6)]. Barbara K. Reck, and T. E. Graedel Science 2012;337:690-695 Published by AAAS

Environment Impacts of Mining   includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water by chemicals from mining processes. Water pollution Acid mine drainage, heavy metal pollution (e.g., arsenic, mercury, cyanide, radioactive elements (e.g., mining of REE in China) Occupational health effects: asbestosis, silicosis, black lung disease (coal mining)

Acid mine drainage in the Rio Tinto River, Spain.

Acid mine drainage in Portugal

Tar Sands Mining in Canada

Tar Sands Mining in Canada

A 21st Century Solution Reduce and eliminate mining, increase recycling using wind/solar energy supplies Ultimate transition to a global steady-state economy, industrial ecologies powered by wind/solar energy

Peer-reviewed, Initially posted at: http://iprd. org Peer-reviewed, Initially posted at: http://iprd.org.uk (Institute for Policy Research & Development) This Report and more at: SolarUtopia.org