Techno-economic-environmental analysis based on life cycle carbon accounting and pollutants audit for cleaner production of electrolytic manganese

Abstract

The electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) industry faces significant environmental challenges, including substantial resource and energy consumption, severe pollution, and high CO₂ emissions. This study introduced a novel approach for developing collaborative strategies aimed at mitigating pollutants and CO₂ emissions. Through the implementation of life cycle carbon accounting and critical pollutant audits, a process enhancement program incorporating 17 advanced technologies was developed. Aligned with the principles of cleaner production, this project effectively mitigates the environmental burden at the source and offers viable solutions for addressing prominent emissions, such as manganese residue and acid fog. Furthermore, the marginal abatement cost curves demonstrate the economic practicality and applicability of these measures. This study provides a strategic blueprint for achieving sustainable green development in China’s EMM industry and offers valuable guidelines for formulating relevant environmental policies.