Grade and Tonnage Comparison of Anthropogenic Raw Materials and Ores for Cu, Zn, and Pb Recovery

Primary metal production operates with large tonnages and takes advantage of economies scale. Metal recycled from low-value waste streams, competing in the same global market as primary production, will be more competitive by also taking up-scaling. However, an overview streams to see upscaling potential needs provided literature. In response, this study provides estimates copper, zinc, lead incineration ash—A major stream going landfills. concentrations are compared concentration grades found ores. Copper, averages about 3–5 times lower ash worldwide average head grade Tonnages generated European countries bordering Baltic North Sea 1/3 mining output Sweden, a leading country region. Therefore, should considered significant Cu, Zn, Pb source.