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Emerging Technologies and
Scarce Metals |
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With the recent surges in market prices for metals, some of which have been tremendous, the issue of resource scarcity has come to the fore again both in the media and in scientific discourse. Metals scarcity issues are particularly relevant with regard to emerging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and energy supply technologies, to which major roles are attributed in promoting sustainable development.
The aim of this workshop is to discuss the role of these emerging technologies in inducing metal scarcities and the possibilities of the recycling industry to prevent or counteract such scarcities. For this purpose, invited experts will give short presentations on the following sets of questions: |
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What does "scarcity" mean? How do metal scarcities emerge? How shall metal scarcity be measured? |
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For which metals are scarcities to be expected in the next decades? Based on what figures and assumptions? |
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What is the role of emerging IC and energy technologies in inducing metal scarcities? Which technologies are expected to significantly increase the metals demand? Will substitution effects occur? |
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How can recycling industry contribute to the prevention of metal scarcities induced by emerging technologies and to the reduction of dependencies on primary production? What are the necessary prerequisites? |
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Following the presentations, common denominators and controversial issues shall be identified in a discussion with the workshop participants. As an output of the workshop, action recommendations for relevant actors (science, policy makers, producers, recycling industry, …) shall be formulated. |
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Detailed workshop program |
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Contact: Dr. Patrick Wäger, Empa |
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mailto:patrick.waeger@empa.ch |
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