Which of the following best describes the concept of 'urban mining' as discussed in the context of e-waste management?

The process of recovering valuable materials from discarded electronic equipment.

The use of electronic waste to create new land for urban infrastructure development.

The extraction of minerals from deep-earth deposits using advanced urban technology.

The relocation of mining industries from rural areas to urban industrial zones.

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2 September 2026

E-waste management challenges

The topic addresses critical challenges in e-waste management and resource security, which are core components of environmental conservation and industrial policy in the GS3 syllabus.

Notes

E-waste contains valuable materials including copper, aluminium, gold, silver, palladium, and critical minerals.
Urban mining involves recovering valuable materials from discarded electronics to reduce reliance on virgin mining.
Challenges in e-waste recycling include the need for sophisticated technology, secure data destruction, and traceable supply chains.
Current procurement practices in public and private sectors often prioritize the lowest visible cost over long-term strategic value.
Two balance sheets exist for every decision: the immediate financial balance sheet and the long-term strategic balance sheet (resource security, environmental sustainability, and industrial capability).
Neglecting strategic costs leads to future economic burdens such as healthcare expenditure, resource depletion, and strategic vulnerability.
Life-cycle costing and value-based procurement are proposed as alternatives to lowest-price bidding to incentivize advanced recycling.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks should reward recovery efficiency and technological capability rather than just the lowest-cost compliance certificate.

Questions

Discuss the concept of 'urban mining' in the context of India's e-waste management. How can shifting from lowest-cost procurement to life-cycle costing enhance resource security? 150 words

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E-waste management in India is often hindered by a narrow focus on immediate financial costs. Analyze the strategic importance of adopting a dual-balance sheet approach in public policy and corporate governance to address environmental and industrial challenges. 250 words

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Prelims

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'urban mining' as discussed in the context of e-waste management?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

The two balance sheets behind every e-waste decision

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