Analysis of Circular Economy Model and Industrialization Path for Waste Tungsten Resource Utilization

Yongbin Li

doi:10.54691/vkavrh34

Authors

Yongbin Li Ganzhou Vocational and Technical College, Ganzhou 341400, Jiangxi, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/vkavrh34

Keywords:

Circular economy, waste tungsten, resource utilization, material flow analysis, industrialization path.

Abstract

Tungsten is a strategically important metal and is used for numerous materials, including cemented carbides, high-temperature alloys and electronic materials; the major deposits are becoming scarce, but considerable amounts are also being found in industrial waste. In this paper, we systematically analyzed the circular economy model and industrialization path of waste tungsten resource utilization. A comprehensive material flow analysis (MFA) framework is set up, which includes the quantification of tungsten flows during mining, manufacturing, use and end-of-life recovery. An economic evaluation model is also created, that combines the use of net present value (NPV) and circularity index (CI), to perform an economic evaluation of the feasibility of different recycling routes: hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and combined processes. The results show that the integrated hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical route has a W recovery of 92.6% and a circularity index of 0.78, which is the best compromise between economy and environment. Additionally, a three-stage industrialization pathway is envisioned including technology demonstration, regional-scale and national integration. The results can be used to give theory and practice on how to build a sustainable circular economy system of tungsten resources.

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