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2. look at economy as a whole
Like all materials precious metals consume
resources when being produced: land, water,
energy, capital, and labour. However, within the
continuous life cycle of precious metals these
costs are counterbalanced by the benefits they
have on
individual lives as well as on technical
progress.
These benefits include auto-catalysts
that help to
reduce emissions from gasoline and
diesel engines,
improving energy efficiency of
industrial processes,
and enhancing medical
technology to improve
health care. The EPMF
member companies invest
in the research and
development of applications
using precious metals
that contribute to sustainable
development, and
into the ongoing training of our
employees.
3. improve eco-efficiency
The EPMF member companies continuously
improve the eco-efficiency of metallurgical
processes and of the products made thereof.
Manufacturing precious metals out of a recycling
process - so-called “urban mining” - guarantees
that these valuable resources are re-used and that
the demand for primary mining with its
environmental impacts is limited. Furthermore, the
industry is continuously developing technical solutions
that allow a
reduction in the use of precious metals
in applications while maintaining
their proper functioning. |