|
|
Steel Circulation
According to this Scientific American article, recycled steel may end up being a more significant iron "mine" than the ones that punch holes in the ground. By using statistical data from a variety of sources, these scientists claim to have quantified the US's use of steel from new and recycled sources. The results show there already is substantial recycling from scrap going on, but the data also show a significant amount of loss over time. The researchers hope their work will point the way toward more effective recycling methods, as well as provide a guide for just how much of the stuff developing countries will need as they grow, and perhaps even when their needs will level off.
1 - black market iron? WTF?
2 - of the 77MM tons that are leaving the market, 57MM are being recycled? That's pretty good. I do seem to remember that iron was one of the most recycled items out there, but this is 74% heading to be recycled. Imagine what would happen if we recycled paper or plastic at that amount? Even at the effective rate of 54.5%, that's remarkable. Makes me wonder where that 20% is going to, though.
3 - Did I read correctly? Have we already pulled out half of the available iron from the ground? Is it time to start snagging asteroids?