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
Trade-offs of the green transition: Is mining critical minerals better than extracting fossil fuels?
Trade-offs of the green transition: 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.
How much will the U.S. energy mix change under Trump? Maybe not much. 3/17/2025
How much will the U.S. energy mix change under Trump? Maybe not much.
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian is featured on this podcast about how with the new U.S. administration vibes have shifted dramatically when it comes to energy and the environment. Green New Deal aspirations have given way to “Drill, baby drill!” this country is likely to continue its all-of-the-above approach to energy. We want energy from everywhere, especially with U.S. and global electricity demand on the rise. March 17, 2025.
A “Sputnik moment” in Deep Sea Mining 3/17/2025
A “Sputnik moment” in Deep Sea Mining
Payne Institute Fellow Alex Gilbert, Seaver Wang, and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how China’s deep-sea mining deal with the Cook Islands raises the stakes in critical mineral competition, with the United States at risk of falling behind. March 17, 2025.
The unexpected knock-on effect of Trump’s minerals ‘deal of the century’ 3/13/2025
The unexpected knock-on effect of Trump’s minerals ‘deal of the century’
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Elizabeth Holley contributed to this article about how critical mineral procurement has been a major focus for Trump since he took office.for aerospace and defense. However, Trump’s focus on obtaining these minerals may have a knock-on effect, and help unlock the US’s potential in the green technology sector. March 13, 2025.
Dig, baby, dig: The global resources groups betting on a Trump mining revival 3/12/2025
Dig, baby, dig: the global resources groups betting on a Trump mining revival
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributes to this article about how the Trump administration is creating a bold vision for domestic mining, although permitting reform will be the key. March 12, 2025.
Trump continues push to expand domestic critical mineral production, refining 3/12/2025
Trump continues push to expand domestic critical mineral production, refining
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange contributed to this article about how President Donald Trump is planning an executive order to build refining facilities on military bases to boost domestic production of critical minerals. He is also reportedly planning to name a critical minerals czar that would help coordinate the efforts to expand production capacity. March 12, 2025.
Industry Anticipates Geothermal Energy Growth Burst in the US 3/6/2025
Industry Anticipates Geothermal Energy Growth Burst in the US
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how the US is hoping to take a cue from the nation of Iceland, which powers most of its electrical grid with geothermal energy, proponents say they expect a U.S. rampup as projects receive closer attention from the fossil-fuel sector, investors and the government. March 6, 2025.
What to Know About Ukraine’s Critical Minerals, and Why Trump Wants Them
What to Know About Ukraine’s Critical Minerals, and Why Trump Wants Them
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how the U.S.-Ukraine negotiations are all about achieving peace – and finding economic opportunity. March 6, 2025.
Trump ‘playing into China’s hands’ with Ukraine minerals deal 3/6/2025
Trump ‘playing into China’s hands’ with Ukraine minerals deal
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange contributed to this article about how the US president’s perceived sacrificing of soft power ‘opens up a tremendous opportunity’ for Beijing and Russia. March 6, 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.