Recycling of critical resources - Upgrade introduction

摘要: Due to its content of highly functional and strategically important metals, Waste Electric Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has been recently discussed as an upcoming source for raw materials. Recovery critical metals from WEEE is, in opposite the recovery base precious very limited current practice. A study quantifying flows nine trace associated with end-of-life mobile phones Germany 2007 shows that all steps recycling chain, including collection, pre-processing end-processing, show dissipative losses lead low rates. The UPGRADE project aims at enhancing along value chain by developing new liberation separation (mechanical, thermal, chemical) considering requirements final processes. “Upgrading” material does not aim a 100% recovery. It is result transdisciplinary decision making optimization inside networks.