Energy Consumption in Mining Comminution

The supply chain for metals used in manufacturing is usually from premanufacture (mining). Energy impact needs to be considered, with it being one of the five stressors that impact the environment. In this paper the energy needs for crushing and milling (comminution) are presented. A brief comparison is made with the energy needs for recycling of large scale waste products such as automobiles. A simple method for product designers, which uses Streamlined Life Cycle Analysis, is proposed for assessment of mining value chain impacts.