Eco-Friendly Innovations and Processes That Are Revolutionizing The Metal Industry
The metal production and mining industry takes a toll on the environment as not only do they contribute to air pollution, but they also consume large amounts of energy and generate significant amounts of waste.
What’s more, research shows that metal production can have a negative effect on wellbeing as it is responsible for 12 percent of global health impacts from particulate matter, with toxicity impacts rising by 50 percent every 15 years. Unless drastic measures are taken, we can expect ecological impacts to increase even more, leading to worsening consequences for the planet and human health.
Exploring better alternatives to steel and other metals as a building material can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using new technologies may also lessen the environmental risks brought about by metal production and prevent the unnecessary depletion of natural resources. Here’s what you need to know about some of the best, eco-friendly innovations and processes that are revolutionizing the metal industry.
Green Metals
Sustainability is a priority for the metal industry, and this sector has achieved a major breakthrough with the creation of eco-friendly, man-made metals like Corten steel.
This type of alloy is known to be highly durable and 100 percent recyclable, making it an excellent choice for construction and structural applications like bridges and load-bearing components. It’s also low maintenance as it doesn’t need upkeep, painting, or any other type of protective coating. Over time, Corten steel develops an attractive, rust-like patina, making it the perfect material for outdoor sculptures, benches, and street furniture like signages and lighting.
Titanium is another strong contender for eco-conscious building materials. This is a versatile metal that’s often used in the automotive industry, and it’s the material of choice for making aircraft parts, ships, and marine equipment. It’s also used in medical applications since the human body is less likely to reject it if it’s used to make artificial joints or dental implants.
Apart from being biocompatible, one of titanium’s best properties is its infinite recyclability, which means that this metal can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality or strength. Be sure to buy titanium metal from trusted dealers to make sure that you’re getting the real thing. True titanium isn’t magnetic, and when scratched on a piece of glass, it should leave a streak and not a scratch mark.
Energy-Efficient Processes
Since mining and metal production can consume significant amounts of energy, some companies are starting to use renewable energy sources to power their processes. For instance, Australian mining company Rio Tinto is using solar power for 20 percent of their daytime energy needs.
Several mining companies in Chile are using wind power as their supplementary energy source, while Anglo American’s mines in South Africa are using hydropower and green hydrogen to operate processes without harming the ecosystem. Some steel-making companies are also opting to use renewable energy as hydrogen is being increasingly used as an alternative to coal during the iron-making process.
Eco-Conscious Waste Management Strategies
The iron and steel industry generates about 400 million tons of waste per year, and a substantial portion of this waste usually ends up in landfills all over the world. Tiny pieces of metal can also end up in waterways, posing environmental risks to humans, marine life, and wildlife.
To manage production waste, eco-conscious companies opt to recycle their scrap steel in their inhouse recycling facility as a way to conserve resources and energy. Dust and sludge from steel-making are also treated to extract metals like zinc, which can be used for other metal production projects.
The mining and metal industry are taking active steps to manage waste, lower their carbon footprint, and conserve natural resources. With green innovations and strategies, metal producers can have bigger cost savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a better, more earth-friendly approach to create quality building materials.