The study shows that the regional water availability constrains the current and future production of 32 geological resources
Professor Shigemi Kagawa
Faculty of Economics
Geological resources like metals are vital for renewable energy and storage technologies but require significant energy and water, raising environmental concerns. An international research team led by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), in collaboration with Professor Shigemi Kagawa from Kyushu University’s Faculty of Economics, identified the safe operating space for geological resource production within regional water limits. They highlighted troubling trends for resources like copper which is one of the key metals for a decarbonized future. This study aims to inform policies for sustainable resource production within limits of available water.
Research-related inquiries
Shigemi Kagawa, Professor
Faculty of Economics
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