Circular Economy
Bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers and assessing all sectors and interconnectivities to develop a life cycle approach to the circular economy and moving to a zero waste future (materials and energy)
Bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers and assessing all sectors and interconnectivities to develop a life cycle approach to the circular economy and moving to a zero waste future (materials and energy)
Over 90% of the global economy continues to function with the unsustainable, linear “take-make-toss” process in relation to materials. Manufacturers rely on raw natural resources for processing and production, and the materials produced largely lack viability or end of use/life strategy. The circular economy looks to reduce waste in the life cycle of production and increase efficiency and effectiveness of recycling at the end of life for products.
Colorado School of Mines, the Payne Institute for Public Policy and our partners are working to address this issue and generate important research on the circular economy. Colorado School of Mines has expertise at every point of production. From the initial identification and extraction of natural resources, to processing, manufacturing, distribution, and product end-of-life reclamation. Through collaboration on campus with our geophysics, mining engineering, advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering and chemistry departments and others. As well as off campus collaboration with NREL and various industry partners, the Payne Institute is connecting its breath of technical expertise with the world of public policy to bring the issue of the circular economy to the forefront.
NEWS
The Future of US Methane Emission Mitigation 4/22/2025
The Future of US Methane Emission Mitigation
Payne Institute Accelerated Methane Reduction Program Director Simon Lomax, Director Morgan Bazilian, and Deputy Director Greg Clough explore why major players in the U.S. energy sector are continuing their efforts to monitor, measure and reduce fugitive methane emissions, even as federal methane regulations are being rolled back. April 22, 2025.
The Smart Bet: Natural Gas for AI 4/16/2025
The Smart Bet: Natural Gas for AI
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian writes about how natural gas for AI is emerging as the most practical near-term solution to meet soaring energy demands from data centers. There is no doubt that the AI revolution is a big part of that paradigm change and excitement, but not all energy sources are equally suited to the task and timelines. April 16, 2025.
Why are oil prices plummeting? Hint: it’s not just tariffs. 4/8/2025
Why are oil prices plummeting? Hint: it’s not just tariffs.
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian was featured on this podcast discussing how concerns mount over how exactly President Donald Trump’s tariffs will impact the cost of coffee, cell phones and cars, there’s one price that’s tanking – oil prices have just fallen to $60/barrel. April 8, 2025.
Future-Proofing U.S. Technology: Strategic Priorities Amid Chinese Tech Advancement 4/6/2025
Future-Proofing U.S. Technology: Strategic Priorities Amid Chinese Tech Advancement
Payne Institute Fellow Jahara “Franky” Matisek, Director Morgan Bazilian, and others write about how the technological rivalry between the United States and China transcends traditional geopolitical competition. It represents a systemic challenge that cuts across economic, security, and diplomacy domains. The reports presented here examine critical technological domains where targeted policy action is needed to maintain U.S. strategic advantage. April 6, 2025.
Commodity prices drop in response to tariffs 4/4/2025
Commodity prices drop in response to tariffs
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange is featured on this podcast discussing the prices of commodities like crude oil, copper and soybeans have dropped in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, indicating pessimism about where the global economy may be headed. Even though many commodities, like oil, were exempt from tariffs, the broader economic effects of tariffs are likely to take a toll if they continue. April 4, 2025.
Better Together: The Case for Cooperative Regionalism in U.S. Energy Policy 4/3/2025
Better Together: The Case for Cooperative Regionalism in U.S. Energy Policy
Payne Institute Low Carbon Energy Technologies Program Manager Anna Littlefield, Student Researcher Siddhant Kulkarni, and Accelerated Methane Reduction Initiative Director Simon Lomax write about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced plans for the most significant rollback of federal regulations in U.S. history, a critical question emerges: Will delegating power to states foster innovation and economic growth or could it jeopardize essential protections for public health, safety, and the environment? April 3, 2025.
The Functioning and Trade of Minerals and Metals on Exchanges vs. Chemical Markets 4/2/2025
The Functioning and Trade of Minerals and Metals on Exchanges vs. Chemical Markets
Payne Institute student researcher Sravan Lavudya, Grad Student, Mineral and Energy Economics, writes about how the future outlook for the metal and mineral market is positive, with continued growth expected, though challenges such as geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions remain. April 2, 2025.
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act 2025 Aims to Secure U.S. Mineral Supply Chains and National Security 3/31/2025
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act 2025 Aims to Secure U.S. Mineral Supply Chains and National Security
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act 2025 seeks to restore legal certainty for domestic mining, reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals, and protect national security. Here’s what’s at stake. March 31, 2025.
Is mining critical minerals better than extracting fossil fuels? 3/26/2025
Is mining critical minerals better than extracting fossil fuels?
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Raphael Deberdt contributed to this article about how extracting resources from the Earth always comes with costs. As we race toward a cleaner, greener future, there is a risk of repeating the abuses of mining for coal and other fossil fuels. March 26, 2025.
Copper prices are typically a leading economic indicator. But maybe not this time. 3/21/2025
Copper prices are typically a leading economic indicator. But maybe not this time.
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange is featured on this podcast discussing how the price of copper has surged in the past few weeks to its highest level in nearly 10 months. Traders typically think of copper as a leading economic indicator; rising prices often predict economic growth ahead. However, that may not be what is causing this surge. March 21, 2025.
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For more information about the Circular Economy Research Area at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, please contact our Deputy Director, Gregory Clough, at gclough@mines.edu.