Optimizing the urban mining: A mathematical modelling strategy based on sustainable practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66210/ijmri.26.01.001Keywords:
E waste, sustainability, global optimization, urban mining, mathematical model, circular economyAbstract
Urban mining, the process of recovering valuable materials from anthropogenic waste streams such as electronic waste (e-waste), buildings, presents a critical pathway toward sustainable resource management in the face of escalating global resource depletion and environmental degradation. This paper develops a mathematical modelling strategy to optimize urban mining operations, integrating economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions. Drawing on global e-waste data indicating 62 million tonnes generated in 2022, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030, we propose a TOPSIS Framework model that maximizes sustainable value defined as recovered material revenue minus processing costs plus environmental benefits while adhering to capacity and availability constraints. The objective is to enhance recovery efficiency, hypothesizing that optimized modelling can increase resource recovery rates by up to 30% compared to traditional methods. Through a simulated case study, the model demonstrates optimal allocation of processing efforts across e-waste categories, yielding a sustainable value of $8,595,000 for a hypothetical 2,500-ton facility. This approach underscores the promise of urban mining in reducing reliance on primary mining, conserving natural resources, and mitigating environmental impacts, while addressing limits such as complex waste streams and regulatory barriers.
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