Sponsored content
Ennomotive, an innovation platform for engineering challenges, has launched a competition to find new ways of reprocessing mine tailings and obtaining raw materials for the glass industry.
During mining operations, metallic ores and other inert materials are extracted from the ground. Many of these waste materials, known as ‘tailings’, contain silica, which can be used to make different kinds of glass. In order to utilise the silica, however, the tailings require reprocessing to eliminate impurities – an often costly procedure.
Promoting a circular economy, Ennomotive’s competition seeks new processes and technologies that can transform tailings into valuable raw materials to be used in the glass industry, creating glassware of varying compositions and prices.
With €15,000-worth of prizes to be shared amongst contestants with the best ideas, this online competition is worldwide, open to professionals and students from all industries and technical backgrounds.
Participants can sign up via Ennomotive’s website and must submit their ideas by 7 October 2019.
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.