The Imminent Copper Tailings Crisis in China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Resource Management
• Industrial Ecology

Background:

• Mineral resources are essential for development, but tailings generation presents sustainability challenges.
• China's increasing copper demand and lack of tailings data hinder effective management amid climate goals.
• Tailings storage poses risks to freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify provincial copper tailings generation in China from 1950 to 2060.
• To analyze the impacts of circular economy strategies and international trade on tailings management.
• To assess the ecotoxicity of tailings storage and inform sustainable development.

Main Methods:

• Development of a copper tailings generation accounting model.
• Integration with dynamic material flow analysis for provincial quantification.
• Toxicity assessment of tailings storage, focusing on freshwater ecotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Cumulative generation of 5.56 Gt of copper tailings (1950-2020).
• Projected 19.01 Gt generation (2021-2060) under carbon neutrality, challenging "Zero-Waste city" goals.
• Yunnan Province shows highest freshwater ecotoxicity, impacting biodiversity targets.

Conclusions:

• Circular economy strategies are vital for mitigating the tailings crisis.
• International trade may redistribute environmental pressures, requiring careful consideration.
• Enhanced collaboration across sectors is essential for sustainable mining and waste management.