1
25-017
Blue Mining: Advancing Circular Economy Practices in Mining
for Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
Angela Binder
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Yichen Jiang
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Sandra Nowosad
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Mareike Schubert
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Oliver Langefeld
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
INTRODUCTION
The mining industry is currently characterized by vari-
ous factors such as environmental impact, resource scar-
city, social responsibility and geopolitical uncertainty. The
production of minerals required to meet the demand for
renewable energy is expected to increase by 500 %by 2050,
particularly for critical minerals such as graphite, lithium
and cobalt 1. Easily accessible deposits are often depleted,
meaning that deeper and more complex deposits need to
be developed. Furthermore, investors’ value systems have
shifted towards more sustainable practices. Alternative
approaches to solving this problem are therefore currently
being developed, such as the Modular Mining Systems con-
cept for scalable and adaptable mining projects 2. Many
mining companies have also taken important steps to
become more sustainable, implementing measures such as
proactive closure strategies, restoration programs and the
development of renewable energy projects. In the European
Union, laws such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and
the Net Zero Industry Act support the mining industry
3,4. They see it as important for the energy transition and
promote more sustainable ways of working in the industry
Particularly negative environmental impacts such as land
degradation, scarcity of local water resources, water pollu-
tion and greenhouse gas emissions are ingrained in society’s
memory. Despite these efforts, the public image has not
yet changed. To change this perception, the industry must
strive to better communicate its sustainable practices and
the steps it is taking towards a more responsible and sus-
tainable future, promote transparency and build trust.
Digitalization, automation and electrification are driv-
ing the digital transformation in mining. However, their
implementation can lead to higher capital expenditure,
limiting their adoption across the industry. Furthermore,
implementing new technologies can be a daunting task for
any organization. Change management comes into play
when introducing such disruptive technologies. It involves
preparing an organization for change, potential resistance
and establishing effective communication. This helps to
ensure that the implementation is successful and the ben-
efits of the new technology are maximized. Digital trans-
formation requires well-trained, young mining, electrical,
mechatronic and software engineers with a deep under-
standing of information systems. Unfortunately, the indus-
try faces the enormous challenge of attracting this younger
generation, who have little interest in the extraction of raw
materials. The need for action is compounded by an aging
active workforce heading into retirement and the forecast
of increasing demand for critical minerals.
In this challenging environment, the concept of Blue
Mining with its constant further developments represents
a promising approach. This implies a shift from a linear
to a sustainably oriented circular economy. For the mining
industry, this specifically means the introduction of innova-
tive technologies, the increased recovery of materials from
waste and the consistent questioning and application of cir-
cular principles along the entire life cycle of a mine. Such a
25-017
Blue Mining: Advancing Circular Economy Practices in Mining
for Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
Angela Binder
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Yichen Jiang
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Sandra Nowosad
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Mareike Schubert
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
Oliver Langefeld
TU-Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
INTRODUCTION
The mining industry is currently characterized by vari-
ous factors such as environmental impact, resource scar-
city, social responsibility and geopolitical uncertainty. The
production of minerals required to meet the demand for
renewable energy is expected to increase by 500 %by 2050,
particularly for critical minerals such as graphite, lithium
and cobalt 1. Easily accessible deposits are often depleted,
meaning that deeper and more complex deposits need to
be developed. Furthermore, investors’ value systems have
shifted towards more sustainable practices. Alternative
approaches to solving this problem are therefore currently
being developed, such as the Modular Mining Systems con-
cept for scalable and adaptable mining projects 2. Many
mining companies have also taken important steps to
become more sustainable, implementing measures such as
proactive closure strategies, restoration programs and the
development of renewable energy projects. In the European
Union, laws such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and
the Net Zero Industry Act support the mining industry
3,4. They see it as important for the energy transition and
promote more sustainable ways of working in the industry
Particularly negative environmental impacts such as land
degradation, scarcity of local water resources, water pollu-
tion and greenhouse gas emissions are ingrained in society’s
memory. Despite these efforts, the public image has not
yet changed. To change this perception, the industry must
strive to better communicate its sustainable practices and
the steps it is taking towards a more responsible and sus-
tainable future, promote transparency and build trust.
Digitalization, automation and electrification are driv-
ing the digital transformation in mining. However, their
implementation can lead to higher capital expenditure,
limiting their adoption across the industry. Furthermore,
implementing new technologies can be a daunting task for
any organization. Change management comes into play
when introducing such disruptive technologies. It involves
preparing an organization for change, potential resistance
and establishing effective communication. This helps to
ensure that the implementation is successful and the ben-
efits of the new technology are maximized. Digital trans-
formation requires well-trained, young mining, electrical,
mechatronic and software engineers with a deep under-
standing of information systems. Unfortunately, the indus-
try faces the enormous challenge of attracting this younger
generation, who have little interest in the extraction of raw
materials. The need for action is compounded by an aging
active workforce heading into retirement and the forecast
of increasing demand for critical minerals.
In this challenging environment, the concept of Blue
Mining with its constant further developments represents
a promising approach. This implies a shift from a linear
to a sustainably oriented circular economy. For the mining
industry, this specifically means the introduction of innova-
tive technologies, the increased recovery of materials from
waste and the consistent questioning and application of cir-
cular principles along the entire life cycle of a mine. Such a