VALORIZATION OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS FROM END-OF-LIFE FLUORESCENT LAMPS: A CONTRIBUTION TO URBAN MINING

In last decades, Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have assumed a fundamental importance in the electrical and electronic (EE) industry because of increasing interest low-carbon smart technologies. The availability limited areas globe, complexity extraction processes high costs affecting their valorization negatively influence supply chain at such point to jeopardize future EE equipment offer. This issue is particularly acute Europe, that imports all REEs, especially from China, current leader market. order contrast dependence ensure stable demand, industrial stakeholders started an innovative path aimed recover REEs EEE waste. promotion policies measures or circular economy has also boosted application urban mining concept. Cities are conceived as reserve minerals but applied research s still its infancy. Only 1% actually recovered. contribution fluorescent lamps most challenging lower presence hazardous substances, however, it can deliver highest pure rare-earth oxides. work represents preliminary multi-criteria analysis assess feasibility launching project based on lamps. article summarizes activity done by Italian WEEE company DISMECO collaboration with University Bologna test powders provide recommendations more profitable after-use this field.