Metals production, CO₂ mineralization and LCA

Modern methods of metal and metal-containing materials production involve a serious consideration of the impact on the environment. Emissions of greenhouse gases and the efficiency of energy use have been used as starting points for more sustainable production for several decades, but a more complete analysis can be made using life cycle assessment (LCA). In this paper, three examples are described: the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) from steelmaking slags, the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from blast furnace top gas into magnesium carbonate, and the production of metallic nanoparticles using a dry, high-voltage arc discharge process. A combination of experimental work, process simulation, and LCA gives quantitative results and guidelines for how these processes can give benefits from an environmental footprint, considering emissions and use and reuse of material resources. CO₂ mineralization offers great potential for lowering emissions of this greenhouse gas. At the same time, valuable solid materials are produced from by-products and waste streams from mining and other industrial activities.