Developing and promoting research activities in the field of recycling and eco-design: this is the ambition of the Urban Mining Chair, created in 2014 bythe eco-organization ecosystem, in partnership with the ParisTech Foundation and three prestigious universities: Arts et Métiers, Chimie ParisTech, and Mines ParisTech.
The teaching and research chair is dedicated to waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), which contains many recyclable materials, including rare metals: veritable "urban mines" that are widespread today. In the context of natural resource depletion, the exploitation of WEEE can be part of a circular economy approach that respects the principles of sustainable development. In March 2019, the chair was renewed for five years (2019-2024).
The three areas of research in the second version
The chair's missions are focused in three areas: developing new high-quality secondary materials, defining economic models for recycling, and training initiatives. In terms of research, three areas are prioritized.
Optimizing the strategic metals recycling sector
This theme brings together specialists in process physical chemistry, materials chemists, colloid physical chemists, and analytical science specialists, who pool their expertise at the interface between materials and processes.
Recycling of plastics and integration of recycled plastics into design
TwoArts et Métiers laboratories Arts et Métiers this topic: theI2M-IMC (Institute of Mechanics and Engineering – Mechanics and Design) branch ofthe Chambéry institute, the school's center of expertise in recycling and eco-design, and the PIMM (Processes and Engineering in Mechanics and Materials) laboratory, which brings together specialists from various fields: materials and structural mechanics, polymer chemistry, aging and recycling, etc.
The development of new models for the circular economy
The team at Mines ParisTech's Scientific Management Center (CGS) focuses on the economic, managerial, and governance aspects of urban mining. It has recognized expertise in the fields of innovation management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and eco-design.
