Assessing the future environmental impacts of copper production in China: Implications of the energy transition

摘要: Abstract Copper demand in China is expected to grow considerably over the coming decades, driving energy use and environmental impacts related copper production. To explore of production China, we used a variant Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis that combined Assessment methodology with Chinese projections from 2010 2050. The results indicate pyrometallurgical are increase more than twofold during this period remain largest contributor footprint. Secondary emits least pollutions. Increasing share secondary most friendly option for end, may focus on improving classification waste products recycling infrastructure end-of-life management. Hard coal crucial contributors climate change context Cleaning up processes efficiency would also help reduce impacts. Energy transition can significantly production, but it requirement.It does not visibly contribute human toxicity as well.