UrbanMine seeks to harness the potential of circular economy principles, specifically through urban mining, to enable green transformations. The project, involving a collaboration among municipal and private sectors in Namdalen, Salten, and Lofoten, focuses on examining the institutional frameworks and attitudes towards mineral waste management. By studying political, institutional, and business barriers and opportunities related to managing wastes from household / personal consumables, rich in various types and forms of materials including metals and minerals in waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
UrbanMine aims to close material loops and advance the circular economy vision through studying consumer behaviour, mapping products flows and proposing social institutions for improvement. SINTEF Helgeland focuses on quantifying materials stock and flows in the societal systems by using dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA). Results obtained from SINTEF’s analysis provided valuable information for the involved stakeholders to take necessary measures in closing material loops and develop effective institutional frameworks. The initiative is supported by a budget from the Norwegian Research Council (NRC), emphasizing strategic partnerships to drive regional sustainable development.
Partners
Nord University (Coordinating), Uppsala University, Iris Salten, Norsirk AS, Midtre Namdal Avfallselskap, Miljødirektoratet, SINTEF Helgeland, Aalborg University, Bodø municipality, Lofoten avfallselskap, Namsos municipality.
Funding
The project UrbanMine has received funding from The Research Council of Norway.