Matching circular resource flows with circular business models in the mining- and paper industries (MINEPAP)

Important results from the project

A main goal was to link ecologically and technically circular solutions to business models that can harness economic value. The project identifies three challenges to this: 1. The identification of value on both the positive and negative side of the value equation in a business model 2. To match value creation on both the positive and negative side if the value equation with many actors in a networked business context 3. To anchor the business model development work internally in the organization

Expected long term effects

Our field-tests show that a mix of GLS and mine sand-tailing may cause leakage of arsenic from the sand. These risks needs to be considered and managed in the future. One possibility may be to process the GLS to ensure lower pH-levels. However such measures needs further study to ensure its safety and applicability. The analysis of the business models shows that awareness of the systematic delineation of various value contexts are of high importance. Already existing core value contexts are especially important to isolate from these identified in relation to new resource flows.

Approach and implementation

The project comprise two parts: A technical part 1 and a business part 2. Part 1 consisted of a field-test with its associated quality-control-program and laboratory tests. The test was initiated but then cancelled before scale-up due to the rise of leaking issues. Par 2 consisted of a case study of the actors based on participatory observations and interviews. A total of nine qualitative sources was used. Data was analyzed concerning business model development based on the resource flow in question. A systematic for circular business models was developed and applied in the analysis.