Urbanmining is emerging as the future of the  mining landscape. Unlike conventional practices that extract valuable metals like  copper, cobalt and nickel from the earth, urban mining recovers them from electronic waste (e-waste).

According to the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), global e-waste generation is rising five times faster than documented  recycling efforts. Under the lens of urban mining, cities are now seen as resource-rich “urban mines.” In 2022, a report by ITU and UNITAR revealed that 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, enough to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator. E-waste is increasing by 2.6 million tonnes annually and is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, a 33% rise from 2022.

This  innovative mining practice involves a multi-stage collection, dismantling, and separation processes using physical, chemical, and sometimes biological methods. Copper, widely used in electric vehicles ( EVs), can be recovered efficiently at high rates, while cobalt and nickel, key components in lithium ion  batteries, can be extracted from spent electronics, reducing reliance on conflict-prone mining. This approach not only conserves finite resources but also minimizes environmental damage and reduces toxic  landfill waste, aligning with global  sustainability goals.

Governments such as those in the United States and Europe are increasingly recognizing the potential of urban mining, citing billions in untapped economic value and significant climate benefits. According to a study, urban mining also stimulates greenjobs. For instance, in Minnesota alone, reclaiming all e-waste could unlock $3.2 billion in value and generate numerous green jobs.

Urban mining is a transformative solution to environmental degradation. By promoting smart  recycling, it fuels a more sustainable and resilient global  economy.