From hazardous waste to industrial resource: circular economy and urban mining applied to used batteries through strategic metal recovery

Abstract

This paper entitled “From hazardous waste to industrial resource: circular economy and urban mining applied to used batteries through strategic metal recovery” provides an overview of the recovery of alkaline battery and lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste, addressing aspects related to the recovery of strategic metals such as manganese, cobalt, zinc and nickel.

First, the authors emphasize the importance of urban mining as a sustainable alternative to the accelerated growth of battery waste and Colombia's high dependence on metal imports, as a basis for reincorporating these materials into new production cycles.

One of the central aspects of the work is the application of hydrometallurgical processes based on acid leaching and sol-gel treatments, demonstrating that it is possible to obtain pigmented frits and glazes, stable ceramic coatings and functional electrochemical microsensors. This enables applications in the ceramics industry and the development of pH sensors from hazardous waste.

Additionally, examples are presented illustrating the reduced dependence on virgin raw materials, including glass coatings and glazes obtained directly from battery waste.

Finally, the study discusses challenges related to industrial safety during the processing of this waste, and highlights the importance of integrating total productive maintenance (TPM) and risk prevention to promote sustainability and the training of engineers in comprehensive waste management.