Chemical engineering and the circular economy in a low carbon future

This presentation will briefly discuss the concept of the circular economy in the extractive resources sector and provide an overview of current global initiatives aiming to deliver on circular economy ideals. This will include some global examples relevant to the industrial sectors in which chemical engineers work followed by an outline of a few Queensland based circular economy examples.

The role of metals (e.g. lithium and cobalt) in renewable energy will be discussed within a circular economy context. The presentation will conclude with some general observations of the role of chemical engineers in the circular economy and the transition to a low-carbon renewable energy future.

Associate Professor Glen Corder is a Principal Research Fellow at the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland, and has 30 years’ experience in the resources industries.

His experience spans both research and commercial activities in the areas of industrial ecology, the circular economy and sustainability risk management framework. He also holds the position of Technical Policy Director on the IChemE in Australia Board.