Value chains of critical raw materials

The objective of the doctoral dissertation is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of material flows of selected critical raw materials in waste streams and materials comparable to waste, within a national context and with reference to the broader European framework. The research will focus on quantifying both the actual and potentially recoverable amounts of these materials in relation to the objectives of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), particularly with regard to recycling targets and the reduction of dependence on primary resources and imports. The dissertation will also include detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses of selected pathways for the recovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary sources, including their comparative evaluation in terms of environmental impacts and energy demand. The results of the work will provide a basis for assessing the environmental and material efficiency of individual technological approaches and will contribute to the identification of the most suitable pathways for the sustainable supply of critical raw materials under the conditions of the Czech Republic and the European Union.