Engineering news
Exports of scrap metal and waste electrical and electronic equipment to developing countries damage the environment and could see valuable resources being squandered, an influential committee of MPs has warned.
The House of Commons science and technology committee made the comments in its report on strategically important metals, which it has just published.
The MPs, led by Labour MP Andrew Miller, the committee chair, said it was “nonsensical” that scrap metal was exported to other countries when it could contain valuable rare earth or platinum group metals that could be used by industry.
Specialised metals are vital to advanced manufacturing, low-carbon technologies and other growing industries, the MPs noted. Maximising the recovery of materials from end-of-life products is crucial and a “cradle to cradle” approach should be introduced in the UK, said the report.
Despite a rate of 90% (by weight) of metal recycling in the UK, it was of “great concern” that some strategic metals were likely to be lost in the 10% not being recycled, said the MPs.
Miller said: “The government is keen to burnish its green credentials but it is unacceptable for the UK to export its environmental problems elsewhere. We urge the government to engage with the governments of countries importing these materials to encourage higher environmental standards and adequate working practices for those processing the waste.
“There is significant potential for the UK to improve its efficiency of metal use, and we heard evidence of effective methods for materials recovery. It is vital that the government explores these options without delay.”
Although most strategic metal reserves are unlikely to run out over the coming decades, the committee said that the “perception of scarcity” of certain minerals and metals might lead to increased speculation and volatility in price and supply.
Supply to sectors of the British economy that rely on a wide range of metals at stable prices is a matter of concern. Export quotas on rare earth elements, recently imposed by China, as well as reports of hedge funds buying up significant quantities of strategic metals, could distort the market. The committee called on the government to investigate.
On social and environmental impacts, evidence was given to the committee that the UK exported large quantities of scrap metal and waste electrical and electronic equipment, often to developing countries.
The committee also raised concerns about the illegal export of waste electrical and electronic equipment, which is often labelled as second-hand equipment for reuse. The MPs called for safeguards to be put in place.