Method for managing recycling of metal resource

Abstract

To provide a method for managing recycling of metal resources so as to use 100% recycled materials having a specific attribute.SOLUTION: A method includes the steps of: acquiring first metal resources provided from a plurality of people; manufacturing a metal material using raw materials; receiving, by a terminal from a server, information pertaining to a first shipping group of a recycled product handled as a product manufactured only from a first metal resource having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the step of acquiring the first metal resources; shipping the metal material as a recycled product to a person related to the specific attribute; and causing the terminal to transmit information relating to shipping in the shipping step to the server, and causing the server to update the information relating to the first shipping group stored in the server so as to reduce the amount of the recycled product to be shipped from the first shipping group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for managing the recycling of metal resources. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the movement to recycle metal resources has been accelerating from the perspective of the SDGs. Companies are actively working to obtain metal resources, which are the raw materials for products, not only from minerals but also from scrap that has already been manufactured and is no longer useful.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for certifying recycled products that is executed by a computer system. The document also discloses that the method handles information indicating the outflow amount of recycled certified resin products in a mass balance approach. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 092278 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to promote the above-mentioned efforts, the present disclosure aims to provide a means for realizing a new mechanism for promoting the circulation of metal resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides, in one aspect, the following invention.

[0007] (Invention 1) 1. A method for managing the recycling of metal resources, comprising: The method comprises: (A) a first step of acquiring a first metal resource from a plurality of parties, wherein the first metal resource is a used product that is to be recycled, or a scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the product; (B) optionally, a second step of obtaining a second metal resource, wherein the second metal resource is a mineral-derived resource; (C) a third step of producing a metal material using raw materials, the raw materials including the first metal resource obtained in the first step, and the raw materials may also include the second metal resource obtained in the second step; (D) a fourth step in which the terminal receives from the server information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resources having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the first step, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metal resources having the specific attribute have contributed to the manufacturing of the metal material in the third step, or the amount that is expected to contribute; (E) a fifth step of shipping the metal material as the recycled product to a party associated with the specific attribute; (F) a sixth step in which the terminal transmits information about the shipment of the fifth step to the server, and the server updates the information about the first shipping slot stored in the server so as to subtract the amount of the recycled products to be shipped from the first shipping slot; A method comprising: (Invention 2) The method of Invention 1, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource was provided by a specific one of the plurality of parties, and the party associated with the specific attribute is the specific one party. (Invention 3) 3. The method of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the specific attribute at least includes that the first metallic resource is derived from a specific use, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the same use as the specific use. (Invention 4) 4. The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a specific location, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the specific location. (Invention 5) 5. The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metallic resource originates from a specific manufacturer, and the entity associated with the specific attribute is the specific manufacturer. (Invention 6) A method according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, wherein the method comprises: a step in which the terminal receives from the server information regarding a second shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute, wherein the second shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource provided by the plurality of parties that has contributed to, or is expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metallic material in the third step; The method further comprises: (Invention 7) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a step in which the terminal receives from the server information on the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter, product carbon footprint information) assigned to the recycled product that is treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 8) The method of invention 7, further comprising a step in which the terminal receives information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource. (Invention 9) The method of invention 8, further comprising a step in which the terminal receives from the server information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource and / or information on the carbon footprint related to the third step. (Invention 10) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a step in which the terminal transmits to a server information on the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter referred to as product carbon footprint information) assigned to the recycled product that is treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 11) A method according to any one of Inventions 7 to 10, wherein the product carbon footprint information is calculated assuming that the product is manufactured only from the first metal resource having the specific attribute, and is calculated using at least carbon footprint information of the first metal resource having the specific attribute. (Invention 12) 12. The method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 11, wherein the metal material is electrolytic copper. (Invention 13) A method for producing the metallic material, which is treated as having been produced solely from the first metallic resource, using the method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 12. (Invention 14) A method for producing the recycled product using the method of Invention 7 or 10, wherein information about the carbon footprint of the recycled product is imparted to the recycled product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one aspect, the invention deals with information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as being manufactured solely from a first metallic resource having a specific attribute. The first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metallic resource with the specific attribute has contributed to, or is expected to contribute to, the production of a metallic material in a third step. The first metallic resource is a used item that is eligible for recycling, or scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the item.

[0009] Shipping slots can be allocated to those related to primary metal resources with specific attributes, allowing them to use 100% recycled materials with specific attributes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Explain the concept of the mass balance approach. [Figure 3] The concept of the mass balance approach is explained below. The difference with Figure 2 is that Figure 2 shows the actual shipping status for Company A, while Figure 3 shows the conceptual shipping status for the mass balance approach. Here, although the metal materials actually shipped are 25% recycled, some of the products shipped are treated as if they were 100% recycled. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a system of the present disclosure in one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a system of the present disclosure and a terminal external to the system in one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a database provided in a system (e.g., a server) of the present disclosure or a cloud server external to the system in one embodiment. [Figure 8-1] 1 shows the flow of the first metal resource, the second metal resource, and the metal material in the method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the metal material actually shipped is 25% recycled, but is treated as if it were 100% recycled. [Figure 8-2] 1 shows the flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and metal materials in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metal materials are treated as recycled products manufactured solely from scrap originating from Company B. [Figure 9] 1 shows the flow of the first metal resource, the second metal resource, and the metal material in the method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the metal material actually shipped is 25% recycled, but is treated as if it were 100% recycled. [Figure 10]1 shows the flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and metal materials in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metal materials are treated as recycled products made solely from scrap originating from electronic components. [Figure 11] 1 shows the flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and a metal material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metal material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap derived from electronic components. Accordingly, the carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap derived from electronic components is assigned to the shipped metal material. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates the flow of a first metallic resource, a second metallic resource, and metallic material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metallic material is treated as a shipment of recycled products made solely from scrap originating in a specific country. Correspondingly, the carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating in that specific country is assigned to the shipped metallic material. [Figure 13] 1 shows the flow of a first metal resource, a second metal resource, and a metal material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metal material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating from a specific manufacturer. Accordingly, the carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating from that manufacturer is assigned to the shipped metal material. [Figure 14] 1 shows the flow of a first metal resource and a metal material in a method of the present disclosure in one embodiment. Here, the shipped metal material is treated as a recycled product manufactured solely from scrap originating from a specific manufacturer. Correspondingly, the carbon footprint amount corresponding to the scrap originating from that manufacturer is assigned to the shipped metal material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below. The following description is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Overview 1-1. Method Overview In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing the recycling of metallic resources, said method comprising the following steps (see FIG. 1): (A) A step of acquiring first metal resources from a plurality of parties, wherein the first metal resources are used products that are to be recycled, or scraps or waste materials generated in the process of manufacturing the products. (B) optionally obtaining a second metal resource, wherein the second metal resource is a mineral-derived resource; (C) A third step of producing a metal material using raw materials, the raw materials including the first metal resource obtained in the first step, and the raw materials may also include the second metal resource obtained in the second step. (D) a step in which the terminal receives from the server information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as being manufactured only from first metallic resources having a specific attribute among the first metallic resources acquired in the first step, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metallic resources having the specific attribute have contributed to the production of the metallic material in the third step or the amount that is expected to contribute; (E) A fifth step of shipping the metal materials as recycled products to a party associated with a specific attribute. (F) a sixth step in which the terminal transmits information about the shipment of the fifth step to the server, and the server updates the information about the first shipping slot stored in the server so as to subtract the amount of the recycled products to be shipped from the first shipping slot. In the above method, the second step is optionally performed. Therefore, in the above method, the second step may be omitted. Furthermore, if the second step is performed, the raw material used in the third step may contain the second metal resource obtained in the second step. On the other hand, if the second step is not performed, the raw material used in the third step does not contain the second metal resource obtained in the second step. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing a metallic material using the above method, the metallic material being treated as being produced solely from the first metallic resource.

[0013] The specific attribute may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following: a source of the first metal resource, a use associated with the first metal resource, and a location associated with the first metal resource, an originating manufacturer associated with the first metal resource, etc. Correspondingly, a party associated with the specific attribute that is a shipping destination may be, for example: (Example 1) When the specific attribute is the provider of the first metal resource (i.e., when the first metal resource is provided by one specific party among multiple parties): one specific party among multiple providers of the first metal resource (see "3. Step of acquiring the first metal resource from multiple parties (first step)" to "10. Other steps, etc." below). (Example 2) When the specific attribute is a use related to primary metal resources (i.e., when primary metal resources originate from a specific use): a person related to the same use as the said use (for example, a person who intends to acquire metal materials for use in the said use) (see "11-1. Management by Use" below, etc.) (Example 3) When a specific attribute is a location related to the primary metal resource (i.e., when the primary metal resource originates from a specific location): Persons related to the location (e.g., persons who intend to acquire metal materials for manufacturing, use, and / or sale at the location) (see "11-2. Management by location" below, etc.) (Example 4) When the specific attribute is the manufacturer of the goods related to the first metal resource (i.e., when the first metal resource originates from a specific manufacturer): the specific manufacturer (see "11-3. Management of goods by manufacturer" below, etc.)

[0014] In Example 1, a shipping slot can be allocated to a provider of primary metal resources, allowing that provider to use 100% recycled materials.

[0015] In Example 2, shipping slots can be allocated to parties related to primary metal resources derived from a specific use, allowing them to use 100% recycled materials related to the same specific use. This is advantageous from the perspective of realizing horizontal recycling.

[0016] In Example 3, a shipping slot can be allocated to a party related to the first metal resource originating from a specific location. This allows for the use of 100% recycled materials related to the same specific location. This is advantageous from the perspective of realizing resource circulation in a specific location.

[0017] In Example 4, a shipping slot can be allocated to a party related to a first metal resource originating from a specific product manufacturer, allowing for the use of 100% recycled materials related to the same specific manufacturer. This is advantageous from the perspective of closed recycling.

[0018] 1-2. Mass balance approach In a further embodiment, the shipping quota in the above method may be based on a mass balance approach, which is a method for allocating a certain characteristic to a portion of a product in accordance with the amount of raw materials with that characteristic added when raw materials with that characteristic are mixed with raw materials without that characteristic in the processing and distribution process from raw materials to a product.

[0019] The mass balance approach will be explained using specific examples, such as Figures 2 and 3. The example in Figure 2 shows the recycling of Cu as a metal resource. Companies A to C provide recycled materials, such as scrap products containing Cu, to a smelter. The smelter also receives Cu derived from minerals (virgin Cu). These materials are mixed together to produce new Cu materials (e.g., Cu bullion). In the example in Figure 2, the amount of Cu provided by Companies A to C is 250 t, and the amount of Cu provided from Cu concentrate is 750 t. Therefore, the recycling rate is calculated as 250 t / (250 t + 750 t) = 0.25. Therefore, the recycling rate of the Cu materials produced at the smelter is 25%.

[0020] In Figure 2, four Cu bullion pieces were shipped to Company A. The individual Cu bullion pieces themselves are not 100% recycled products (metal materials manufactured only from recycled raw materials). However, under the mass balance approach, as shown in Figure 3, some of the Cu bullion pieces are considered to be 100% recycled products, and these 100% recycled products can be treated as having been shipped to Company A. In the following, metal materials that are considered to be 100% recycled products under the mass balance approach, or metal materials manufactured only from recycled raw materials, may be referred to as recycled products.

[0021] Adopting a mass balance approach in this way brings benefits such as being able to offer products that are derived from 100% renewable and certified sources, regardless of their actual content.

[0022] In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, we have described a case where a raw material's characteristic of being a recycled raw material is assigned to a part of a product. However, the mass balance approach not only allows for the assignment of raw material characteristics (e.g., the physical or chemical properties of the raw material itself, such as the recycled content), but also allows for the assignment of raw material attributes. For example, other attributes such as the "source of the first metal resource," "use related to the first metal resource," "location related to the first metal resource," and "manufacturer of goods related to the first metal resource" can also be assigned to parts of a product using the mass balance approach. Below, we will first explain an example of assigning the "source of the first metal resource" to a part of a product as a specific attribute of the raw material. Next, we will explain the cases where the "use related to the first metal resource," "location related to the first metal resource," and "manufacturer of goods related to the first metal resource" are assigned to parts of a product as specific attributes of the raw material in "11-1. Management by Use," "11-2. Management by Location," and "11-3. Management by Manufacturer of the First Metal Resource."

[0023] 1-3. Metal resources In one embodiment, the type of metal contained in the metal resource used in the method of the present disclosure is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the metal may be one or more of Fe, Al, Cu, Ag, Au, and Pt. Preferably, the metal is Cu.

[0024] 1-4.Carbon Footprint The term "carbon footprint" (CFP) used in this specification is defined in the "Carbon Footprint Guidelines" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment in May 2023 as "an abbreviation for Carbon Footprint of Product. A system that converts the GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions emitted throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling, into CO2 emissions and displays the numerical value on the product or indicates this value."

[0025] In this disclosure, carbon footprint (CFP) is defined as "the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emitted during the product life cycle stages from raw material procurement to production (cradle-to-gate), converted into CO2 emissions and expressed as a numerical value per unit weight of the product." Note that, if necessary, the phrase "numerical value per unit weight of the product" may be replaced with "numerical value per unit number of the product."

[0026] Furthermore, if necessary, the phrase "value per unit weight of product" may be replaced with "value per unit weight of input material." For example, such a substitution may be made when managing the carbon footprint associated with a specific treatment or process. Here, the input material may refer to the entire material, or the amount of a target substance contained in the material. For example, if 1 ton of scrap contains 200 kg of Cu, the carbon footprint per unit weight of the scrap may be managed, or the carbon footprint per unit weight of Cu contained in the scrap may be managed.

[0027] Furthermore, the carbon footprint calculations described below are merely examples and are simplified for ease of understanding, and therefore the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific carbon footprint calculation methods described below.

[0028] 2. Execution environment In one embodiment, the disclosed method can be implemented by a computer program (computer software). In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to the program, a medium storing the program, an apparatus including the program, and a method using the program.

[0029] The environment for executing the program and method is not particularly limited, and a typical information processing device (also referred to as a computing device) can be used. The information processing device (100) can typically include a processor (110), a memory (120), a non-transitory storage medium (130), and a communication module (140), as shown in FIG.

[0030] Examples of the information processing device (100) include, but are not limited to, a server, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smart watch, smart glasses, etc.

[0031] The program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium (130, e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), loaded into a memory (120, e.g., RAM, etc.) as needed, and executed by a processor (110, e.g., CPU, etc.). If necessary, the program can connect to a network through a communication module (140) to send and receive information.

[0032] In one embodiment, the program may be installed as application software on one information processing device (100) and executed by the information processing device (100).

[0033] In another embodiment, the number of information processing devices 100 is not limited to one, and multiple information processing devices 100 may be used as needed. In this case, the functions of the program may be distributed among the multiple information processing devices 100.

[0034] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a system (200) may be configured in which a server (210) and a terminal (220) are interconnected via a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a VPN, etc.). In the system (200), the terminal (220) may receive input from a user and transmit at least a portion of the received input to the server (210). The server (210) may receive input information transmitted from the terminal (220), process the information, and transmit a portion of the output to the terminal (220). The terminal (220) may then receive output information transmitted from the server (210) and display it on the terminal (220).

[0035] Therefore, in another aspect, the present disclosure also relates to an information processing device including the program of the present disclosure, and a system including the information processing device. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a terminal and / or a server constituting the system of the present disclosure. The internal configuration of the terminal and the server may be the same as that of the information processing device shown in FIG. 4. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium, e.g., a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, e.g., an HDD, SSD, flash memory, optical disk, etc.) that stores a program.

[0036] The above-described system 200 may be connected to a terminal (300) of a first metal resource provider through a network (for example, the Internet) as shown in Fig. 6. The first metal resource provider corresponds to companies A to C in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0037] This allows the first metal resource provider to transmit information about the item to be recycled to the server (210) or the terminal (220) in the system (200).

[0038] The following describes in detail the above-mentioned first to sixth steps (for example, steps performed by the terminal 220 or the smelter) and other steps (for example, steps performed by the server 210, the terminal 220, and / or the smelter).

[0039] 3. A step of acquiring first metal resources from multiple parties (first step) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a smelter is a facility that produces metallic materials. At the smelter, raw materials for producing metallic materials are obtained. One type of raw material includes a first metallic resource. The first metallic resource satisfies one of the following two conditions: (Condition 1) Items that are used and eligible for recycling, or (Condition 2) Scrap or waste materials generated during the manufacturing process

[0040] Examples of items that fall under condition 1 include, but are not limited to, electronic components, electronic circuit boards, discarded electric wires, household items, copper piping, decorative items, etc. Examples of scrap or waste materials that fall under condition 2 include, but are not limited to, defective parts of ingots, scraps generated by cutting, press scraps, cuttings, and scraps and sludge generated by grinding, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the first metallic resource may be pre-treated by a supplier (including not only a party that directly or indirectly provided the first metallic resource to the smelter, but also a party that directly or indirectly provided the first metallic resource to the supplier) before being provided to the smelter. In other words, in determining whether the first metallic resource satisfies the above conditions, it does not matter whether the first metallic resource was pre-treated before being provided to the smelter. This pre-treatment may include, for example, crushing or pulverization as appropriate to a size suitable for metal smelting. Furthermore, the pre-treatment may include, for example, a process to remove at least a portion of materials other than those to be recovered.

[0042] In one example, the first metal resource is shipped and sent to a smelter from a manufacturer, a recycler, a scrap collector, etc. Alternatively, the first metal resource may be provided by an individual.

[0043] The provider of the first metal resource is not limited to one entity but may be a plurality of entities. In addition, the provider of the first metal resource may provide the first metal resource directly to the smelter, or may provide the first metal resource indirectly to the smelter via a third party.

[0044] 4. The process of acquiring secondary metal resources (second process) The smelter may acquire not only the first metal resource but also a second metal resource. Thus, in some embodiments, a metallic material may be produced from only the first metal resource without acquiring the second metal resource. The second metal resource is a resource derived from a mineral. For example, the second metal resource may be ore itself, a concentrate, or a metal material with a low purity (e.g., blister copper in the case of copper).

[0045] Secondary metal resources are distinguished from primary metal resources in that they have never been commercialized and are so-called virgin materials.

[0046] 5. Manufacturing metal materials (third process) A metallic material is produced at a smelter using the first metallic resource described above. The smelter produces the metallic material by mixing the first metallic resources provided by multiple parties. The smelter may perform appropriate pre-processing on the first metallic resource. For example, the first metallic resource may be crushed appropriately to a size suitable for metal smelting. For example, the first metallic resource may be subjected to processing to remove substances other than those to be recovered. If the smelter performs pre-processing, the pre-processing is also included in the third step. The above-described processing and the like related to the process of producing a metallic material may be performed using a combination of the first metallic resource and the second metallic resource.

[0047] The type of metal material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one or more of the following: metal, ingot, wire, foil, plate, powder, etc. The metal material may also be, for example, electrolytic copper.

[0048] The type of smelting method is not particularly limited. For example, the smelting method may be pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy (for example, solvent extraction, precipitation separation, leaching, etc.).

[0049] 6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of the first metal resource The smelter may perform some data processing in association with the acquisition of the first metal resource. For example, a provider of the first metal resource may transmit information about the first metal resource in association with providing the first metal resource to the smelter.

[0050] The information related to the first metallic resource may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following information: information identifying attributes (e.g., information identifying the provider), information identifying the type of the first metallic resource (e.g., information on products before scrapping, dismantling history, etc.), the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, and the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource (including information on the carbon footprint in the process of obtaining the first metallic resource and / or the process of providing the first metallic resource to a smelter). The information on the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource includes, for example, one or more of the following information: information on the carbon footprint related to pre-processing at the provider, and the carbon footprint related to transportation.

[0051] The information about the first metal resource is transmitted from a terminal 300 of the provider of the first metal resource to the system 200, as shown in Fig. 6. The destination of the transmission of the information about the first metal resource may be the server 210 shown in Fig. 5 or the terminal 220.

[0052] When transmitting information from terminal 300 to server 210, for example, server 210 may function as a web server, and terminal 300 may transmit information about the first metal resource via a browser. After receiving the information, server 210 may perform operations such as updating the database. Server 210 may further transmit information about the first metal resource, or information obtained by processing the information, to terminal 220.

[0053] When transmitting information from terminal 300 to terminal 220, for example, terminal 300 can transmit information about the first metal resource to terminal 220 by means of email or the like (for example, attaching a file to an email, or transmitting information indicating the location of cloud storage accessible to both parties via email). Terminal 220 then accesses server 210 and transmits the information about the first metal resource or information that has been processed from that information. Server 210 can then reflect the information received from terminal 220 in a database or the like.

[0054] The server 210 may have access to several databases. The databases may be provided within the server 210 (e.g., in a storage medium possessed by the server 210), or may reside on a cloud server external to the system 200.

[0055] The database may include, for example, at least three types of databases as shown in FIG.

[0056] The first metal resource database can store information about the above-mentioned first metal resource. The first metal resource database may be configured to store information about one or more of the following items, for example: information identifying attributes (e.g., information identifying a provider), information identifying a type of the first metal resource (e.g., information about products before scrapping, dismantling history, etc.), the quantity of the first metal resource, metal grade, carbon footprint information about the first metal resource, delivery lot, etc. The carbon footprint information about the first metal resource includes, for example, one or more of the following information: carbon footprint information related to pre-processing at the provider, and carbon footprint related to transportation.

[0057] Information specifying the attribute (e.g., information specifying the provider), information specifying the type of the first metallic resource, the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, and information on the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource may be stored in the first metallic resource database for each delivery lot, for example. Furthermore, information on the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource may be stored in the first metallic resource database in a group of units with common carbon footprint information, such as when the first metallic resource has the same attribute (e.g., the same provider) or when the first metallic resource has the same type.

[0058] The first metal resource database may be updated based on the information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource after the server 210 receives the information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource from the terminal 220 or the terminal 300. The information about the first metal resource or the processed information about the first metal resource may be based on information transmitted from the terminal 300, or may be further based on new information added by analysis at a smelter or other facility. As an example of the latter, after the first metal resource is acquired, the quantity, metal grade, etc. of the first metal resource may be analyzed at a smelter or other facility. The analysis results may then be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210 as information about the first metal resource.

[0059] The smelter processing performance database can store information related to the performance of the smelter in producing metallic materials. For example, the smelter processing performance database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following items: yield rate of the process (third process) for producing metallic materials, performance of input of the first metallic resource to the third process for each attribute of the first metallic resource, performance of input of the entire first metallic resource to the third process regardless of attribute, performance of input of the second metallic resource to the third process, fuel or energy required for processing in the third process, performance of use of secondary materials (e.g., refrigerant) required for processing in the third process, etc. The input performance may include, for example, information related to one or more of the following information: the amount of the first metallic resource or the second metallic resource input to the third process, the amount of the target metal contained in the first metallic resource or the second metallic resource input to the third process, the amount of metallic material produced corresponding to the amount of the first metallic resource or the second metallic resource input, and the delivery lot of the input first metallic resource.

[0060] The target product inventory management database can store information related to metallic materials produced at the smelter. For example, the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following items: attributes of the first metallic resource (e.g., source), the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource, the quantity of shipping quotas for recycled products, the inventory expiration period of the recycled products, the carbon footprint of the recycled products, etc.

[0061] In addition, when a smelter produces metallic materials using primary metallic resources, a portion of the produced metallic materials will be treated as having been produced solely from the primary metallic resource based on the mass balance approach.

[0062] The shipping quota quantities of recycled products contained in the target product inventory management database include the shipping quota quantities allocated individually for each attribute of the first metal resource (e.g., each source), as well as the shipping quota quantities for all recycled products, as described below.

[0063] The inventory validity period of a recycled product refers to the period during which a metal material can be shipped as a recycled product. The inventory validity period of a recycled product is set to a certain period (e.g., one year) starting from the time of manufacturing the metal material. In addition, the shipping quota for recycled products may be stored in the target product inventory management database according to the inventory validity period of the recycled product.

[0064] The carbon footprint information of the recycled product may include both the carbon footprint information of the process (third process) for producing the metal material and the carbon footprint information of the first metal resource. By including both pieces of information, it is possible to manage the carbon footprint from the first metal resource to the production of the metal material.

[0065] Carbon footprint information for recycled products can be obtained by referencing the first metal resource database and the smelter processing history database. For example, the carbon footprint information for the first metal resource (per unit weight of metal material) can be calculated by appropriately considering the quantity, metal grade, and carbon footprint information for the first metal resource contained in the first metal resource database, as well as the yield of the process (third process) for manufacturing the metal material contained in the smelter processing history database. Furthermore, carbon footprint information for the third process (per unit weight of metal material) can be calculated by appropriately considering the input record of the entire first metal resource to the third process, the input record of the second metal resource to the third process, the fuel or energy required for the processing in the third process, and the usage record of auxiliary materials (e.g., refrigerant) required for the processing in the third process, all of which are contained in the smelter processing history database. Then, by adding together the two calculated values (i.e., the carbon footprint information of the first metal resource (per unit weight of metal material) and the carbon footprint information of the third process (per unit weight of metal material)), the carbon footprint information of the recycled product (per unit weight of recycled product) can be obtained.

[0066] The carbon footprint information of recycled products may be stored in the target product inventory management database individually for each attribute of the first metallic resource (e.g., source), or, if the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource differs depending on the type of first metallic resource even for the same attribute (e.g., same source), the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource may be stored individually in the target product inventory management database in units that are common to the information. Note that, even when the carbon footprint information of recycled products is stored in units other than attributes, it is preferable to configure the target product inventory management database so that the carbon footprint information of recycled products can be output for each attribute.

[0067] When carbon footprint information of the first metal resource is included in carbon footprint information of a recycled product, the carbon footprint information of the recycled product differs depending on the attribute (for example, source), the type of first metal resource, etc. By managing the carbon footprints of these recycled products individually, it is possible to manage the carbon footprint from the first metal resource to the production of a metal material for each source, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, a portion of the target product inventory management database may be made viewable by the provider of the first metal resource or other parties (e.g., persons related to a specific attribute). For example, the provider of the first metal resource or other parties may access the server 210 from the terminal 300 via the network, thereby making it possible to view information related to the provider or other parties (e.g., the shipping quota volume of the provider's recycled products, the inventory expiration period of the recycled products, the carbon footprint of the recycled products, etc.).

[0069] 6-1. Update of the Metal Resources Database No. 1 As described above, the information on the first metal resource transmitted from terminal 300 is ultimately transmitted to server 210, whether or not it passes through terminal 220. Then, server 210 can update the first metal resource database based on the information on the first metal resource.

[0070] 6-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas In a specific embodiment, a calculation of a shipping quota for recycled products to be individually allocated for each attribute of the first metal resource (e.g., each provider) is performed based at least on the updated first metal resource database. The shipping quota calculation may be performed by the server 210 or by the terminal 220. When performed by the terminal 220, the calculation result of the shipping quota may be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. Regardless of how the shipping quota calculation is performed, the server 210 updates the quantity of the shipping quota for recycled products allocated to a party associated with the attribute (e.g., a provider that is the subject of the shipping quota calculation) from the information in the target product inventory management database based on the calculation result of the shipping quota.

[0071] For example, if the attribute included in the first metal resource database is the provider, the amount of metal material produced from the first metal resource provided by a specific party is calculated by appropriately considering information identifying the provider, information identifying the type of the first metal resource, the quantity of the first metal resource, and the grade of the metal that constitutes the metal material (e.g., if Cu bullion is produced as the metal material, the grade of Cu). This calculation may further take into account the yield included in the smelter processing history database, as necessary. The calculated amount of metal material, or at least an amount based on this, is then reflected in the shipping quota for recycled products from the specific party.

[0072] For example, the example in Figure 8-1 shows a case where Company A supplies 1,000 tons of scrap. In this case, this information is stored in the first metal resource database. Then, based on this information, the expected amount of metal material to be obtained when 1,000 tons of Company A's scrap is input is calculated. For example, assuming that Cu bullion is to be produced as the metal material, the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap is calculated by multiplying the weight of Company A's scrap (1,000 tons) by the Cu content of Company A's scrap. For example, if the Cu content of Company A's scrap is 10%, the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap is 100 tons. This weight of Cu in Company A's scrap may be used as the expected amount of metal material to be obtained from Company A's scrap. Alternatively, the value obtained by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by a correction coefficient may be used as the expected amount of metal material. For example, the estimated amount of metal material may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by the yield rate, taking into account the yield rate included in the smelter processing performance database. Note that the correction coefficient does not have to be the yield rate itself. The correction coefficient may be a uniform value, or may be a different value for each party that sets the shipping quota.

[0073] From the information identifying the attributes contained in the first metal resource database, it is determined that the provider of the scrap in question is Company A. If the calculated expected amount is 100 tons, the target product inventory management database can be updated, and the shipping quota for Company A can be increased by 100 tons.

[0074] When considering the yield, the yield may be considered to be constant regardless of the type or attribute of the first metallic resource. Alternatively, if the yield varies depending on the type or attribute of the first metallic resource, the smelter processing record database may be referenced based on information identifying the type and / or attribute of the first metallic resource contained in the first metallic resource database, and the yield for each type or attribute of the first metallic resource may be considered.

[0075] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the calculated expected quantity and the shipping quota for a single entity (Company A in the example above) to be exactly equal. Taking various circumstances into consideration, the calculated expected quantity may be appropriately adjusted and the target product inventory management database may be updated with a newly allocated shipping quota. However, preferably, the shipping quota does not exceed the calculated expected quantity. In any case, the shipping quota described here is an amount that depends at least on the expected amount of the first metallic resource provided by a specific entity that will contribute to the production of metallic materials. Furthermore, the shipping quota is a shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as being manufactured solely from the first metallic resource, allocated to a specific entity (Company A in the example of Figure 8-1) among multiple entities (Companies A, B, and C in the example of Figure 8-1) (a shipping quota based on the mass balance approach described above).

[0076] Furthermore, when first metal resources are provided by multiple parties, it is not necessary to allocate shipping quotas for individual recycled products to parties (e.g., providers) related to all attributes, but it is sufficient to allocate shipping quotas to parties related to at least one specific attribute. For example, in the example of Figure 8-1, Company A may have a contractual agreement to allocate shipping quotas, while Companies B and C may not have such agreements. In such a case, although Companies A to C each provide first metal resources, updates to individual shipping quotas may be made only to Company A.

[0077] Recycled products from a shipping slot allocated to a party (e.g., a provider) associated with the attributes of a specific first metal resource are shipped only to a party (e.g., a provider (or a party designated by the provider)) associated with the attributes of the specific first metal resource.

[0078] In the example of Figure 8-1, recycled products from the shipping quota allocated to Company A are shipped only to Company A (or a party designated by Company A). In this case, Company A is both the provider of the primary metal resource and the customer of the smelter that receives the recycled products. Since the smelter manufactures metallic materials by mixing the primary metal resource supplied by Company A with primary and secondary metal resources supplied by other parties, the metallic materials shipped to Company A are not manufactured solely from the primary metal resource supplied by Company A. However, Company A's shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of primary metal resource supplied by Company A that contributes to the manufacture of metallic materials. Therefore, in terms of the mass balance approach, Company A can receive a supply of 100% recycled products manufactured solely from the primary metal resource provided by Company A.

[0079] It is up to Company A to decide what products to use the recycled products supplied to it for, but if the recycled products are used to manufacture the same products as the products derived from the first metal resources provided by Company A, then horizontal recycling (a recycling system in which discarded products become resources and are reborn as the same products) can, in concept, be realized.

[0080] In the above example, the shipping quota can be calculated before the first metal resource is input into the third process. Therefore, the shipping quota is an amount that depends at least on the expected amount of the first metal resource that will contribute to the production of metal materials. However, in another example, the shipping quota may be calculated after the first metal resource is input into the third process, reflecting the actual amount of input into the third process. In this case, the shipping quota is an amount that depends at least on the amount of the first metal resource that has contributed to the production of metal materials. The case where the shipping quota is calculated after the production of metal materials will be described in detail below ("7-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas").

[0081] 6-3. Calculation of overall shipping quota Furthermore, not only individual shipping quotas (in the example of Figure 8-1, the shipping quota for each of Companies A, B, and C) but also an overall shipping quota for recycled products (in the example of Figure 8-1, the combined shipping quota for Companies A, B, and C) may be calculated. Similarly to the calculation of the individual shipping quotas described above, the calculation of the overall shipping quota may be performed by the server 210 or by the terminal 220. When calculated by the terminal 220, the calculation results of the shipping quota may be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. When metallic materials are produced only from the first metallic resource, all of the metallic materials are 100% recycled, and therefore the calculation of the overall shipping quota may be omitted. When metallic materials are produced by combining the first metallic resource and the second metallic resource, and a portion of the metallic materials is considered to be 100% recycled in the mass balance approach, the overall shipping quota for recycled products is calculated.

[0082] For example, in the example of Figure 8-1, Company A supplies 1,000 tons of scrap, Company B supplies 500 tons of scrap, and Company C supplies 250 tons of scrap. Information such as the supply amount of each company is stored in the first metal resource database. Next, based on this information, the expected amount of metal material to be obtained when the first metal resource provided by each company is input is calculated. For example, assuming that Cu bullion is to be produced as a metal material, the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap is calculated by multiplying the weight of Company A's scrap (1,000 tons) by the Cu grade of Company A's scrap. Similarly, the weight of Cu contained in Company B's scrap (500 tons) is multiplied by the Cu grade of Company B's scrap. Furthermore, in the case of scrap provided by Company C, the same calculation as for Company A and Company B may be performed. However, other methods may be used. For example, if the Cu content of the scrap provided by Company C is extremely high, the Cu content may be assumed to be 100%, and the value of 250 tons, the weight of Company C's scrap, may be used.

[0083] Using the above method, the estimated amount indicating how much metal material is expected to be obtained from the first metal resource from each company is calculated for each company. The estimated amounts calculated for each company are then added together. This allows the total estimated amount to be calculated. Furthermore, the total shipping quota can be calculated based at least on the total estimated amount.

[0084] In addition, the total estimated amount may be adjusted using an appropriate correction factor, as in the calculation of the individual shipping quotas described above. For example, the estimated amount of metal material for each company may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in each company's scrap by the yield rate, taking into consideration the yield rate included in the smelter processing performance database.

[0085] By managing the overall shipping quota, it is possible to control the shipping volume so that the amount of recycled products shipped does not exceed the overall shipping quota. For example, in the example of the individual shipping quota explained above, Company A's shipping quota is calculated. However, while this shipping quota can manage whether or not shipments exceed Company A's shipping quota, it cannot manage anything else using Company A's shipping quota alone.

[0086] For example, in the example in Figure 8-1, assume that the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap is 100t, the weight of Cu in Company B's scrap is 50t, the weight of Cu in Company C's offcuts is 250t, and the weight of Cu in Cu concentrate is 1200t. In this case, the total expected amount of Cu obtained is 1600t, of which 400t corresponds to the first metal resource (25% recycled). This is set as the total shipping quota. The shipping quota allocated to Company A is then 100t.

[0087] Furthermore, as a further assumption, it is assumed that no individual shipping quotas are set for Company B and Company C (or any other company other than Company A to Company C).

[0088] In this case, first, 100 tons of the total shipping quota of 400 tons is allocated to Company A, and the remaining 300 tons is a shipping quota for which no specific allocation has been decided. Then, within this remaining 300 tons, recycled products are shipped to companies B and C, as well as to companies other than Companies A and C, or shipped to Company A separately from Company A's shipping quota (without changing the amount of material in Company A's shipping quota).

[0089] In this way, by managing the overall shipping quota and individual shipping quotas in combination, it is possible to manage shipping quotas that are not assigned to specific parties, and to manage so that the total amount of recycled product shipments does not exceed the overall shipping quota for recycled products determined based on the mass balance approach.

[0090] In addition, although the above example describes a case in which shipping quotas for which no specific allocation recipients are specified are managed as separate information from shipping quotas for which allocation recipients are specified, a method for managing the shipping volume of recycled products may also use the overall shipping quota, including shipping quotas for which allocation recipients are specified, as information. In this case, for example, when shipping to Company A, the shipped amount is deducted from the individual shipping quota (in this example, Company A's shipping quota), and the same shipped amount is deducted from the overall shipping quota (in this example, the shipping quota based on the total Cu content of Companies A to C). Therefore, the shipping quota volume for the entire recycled product stored in the target product inventory management database may be the amount obtained by deducting the individual shipping quotas for each party (e.g., provider) associated with the attribute, or it may include the individual shipping quotas. Details of the shipping process and the deduction of shipping quotas will be described later.

[0091] The calculated individual shipping quotas and the total shipping quota may be transmitted from the server 210 to the terminal 220.

[0092] 6-4.Database Management As described above, various pieces of information may be managed by a database provided in server 210 and / or a database accessible by server 210. Alternatively, management by individual terminals is also possible, but managing information in the database of server 210 may bring about the following advantages. Even when a plurality of recipients accept the first metal resource (for example, recycled raw materials), information on the first metal resource can be managed centrally. Even if metal materials are sold from multiple sales offices, shipping information is managed centrally by the server 210. This makes it easy to manage the shipping volume within the shipping quota for 100% recycled products. Information regarding shipping quotas can be shared with customers who are the providers and destinations of the first metal resources through the server 210. This makes it easier for customers to make procurement plans and scrap collection plans. It is possible to respond to customer requests for closed horizontal recycling. For example, in the example of Figure 8-1, the primary metal resource provided by Company A (e.g., recycled raw materials) can be returned as a metal material originating from Company A (e.g., 100% recycled product) under the concept of the mass balance approach. This will clarify traceability from the primary metal resource to the manufacturing of the metal material, which will also facilitate carbon footprint management, as described below.

[0093] 7. Updating manufacturing data 7-1. Updating manufacturing data After the third step is performed, the production results can be input through the terminal 220. Then, the input information on the production results can be transmitted from the terminal 220 to the server 210. The server 210 may update the smelter processing results database based at least on the received information. Then, the server 210 may update the target product inventory management database based at least on the received information.

[0094] Updates to the smelter processing performance database may include one or more of the following: yield for this smelting process, individual first metal resource input performance by attribute (e.g., source), overall first metal resource input performance, second metal resource input performance, energy required for processing (including carbon footprint), material usage performance, etc.

[0095] The updates to the target product inventory management database may include one or more of the following: information identifying the source of the first metal resource, the carbon footprint of the recycled product, the quantity of the manufactured metal material, the inventory period of the manufactured recycled product, and the carbon footprint associated with the third process.

[0096] The information identifying the supplier of the first metallic resource may be updated based on data from the first metallic resource database. The carbon footprint associated with the third step may be calculated as a value per unit weight of the metallic material by dividing the carbon footprint incurred in the smelting process of the metallic material (which may further include the carbon footprint incurred in pre-processing, in some cases) by the weight of the produced metallic material.

[0097] The carbon footprint taken in the third step may be the actual value at that time, but preferably, an average value over a certain period in the past (for example, the past year) may be used.

[0098] 7-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas In another embodiment, the shipping quota may be calculated in a manner different from that described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas."

[0099] In the calculation of the shipping quota described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas," the shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of the first metal resource that is expected to contribute to the production of the metal material, based on the first metal resource database. In another embodiment, as described below, after the third step is performed, the shipping quota is calculated based on the amount of the first metal resource that has contributed to the production of the metal material.

[0100] An example will be described using Fig. 9. In any of the above-mentioned databases (for example, the first metal resource database), lots of the first metal resource provided may be managed by the first metal resource database. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, even if the same attribute (for example, provider) is present, the first metal resource may typically be provided multiple times. Therefore, if the same company A provides the first metal resource three times, lots (X1 to X3) may be assigned to each of the three times.

[0101] When updating the smelter processing record database with respect to production results, it may be possible to store which lot of the first metallic resource was used in the current production. For example, in the example of Figure 9, it may be possible to store that the first metallic resource from lots X1, X2, X4, and X5 was used.

[0102] Furthermore, when updating the target product inventory management database, it is also possible to store which lot of the first metallic resource the metallic material of the target product originates from. For example, in FIG. 9, the manufactured metallic material (Cu material) is partially derived from the first metallic resource provided by Company A. Here, Company A provides lots X1 to X3 of the first metallic resource, of which lots X1 and X2 contributed to the production of the metallic material. Therefore, information about lots X1 and X2 (e.g., the quantity of the first metallic resource, the metal grade, etc.) is obtained from the first metallic resource database, and the amount contributed by lots X1 and X2 is calculated. As in the case of FIG. 8-1, if the Cu grade of Company A's scrap is 10%, the amount contributed by lots X1 and X2 is the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap, which is 100 tons. This weight of Cu in Company A's scrap may be used as the amount of metallic material obtained from Company A's scrap (or the amount contributed by Company A's scrap to the production of the metallic material). Alternatively, the amount contributed to the production of metallic materials may be determined by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by a correction coefficient. For example, the yield included in the smelter processing history database may be further taken into consideration, and the production amount of metallic materials may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in Company A's scrap by the yield rate. The correction coefficient may be, for example, a uniform value, a different value for each company, or may differ for each delivery lot of the first metallic resource, or may differ for each production lot of metallic materials.

[0103] After calculating that the amount contributed to the production of metal materials is 100 tons, the target product inventory management database can be updated, and the shipping quota for Company A can be increased by 100 tons. In addition, when calculating the shipping quota, some of the methods described in "6-2. Calculation of Individual Shipping Quotas" may be applied (for example, it is not necessary for the calculated expected amount and the shipping quota to be exactly equal, and when first metal resources are provided by multiple parties, it is not necessary to allocate shipping quotas for individual recycled products to all parties related to the attribute (for example, all providers)).

[0104] 7-3. Calculation of overall shipping quota Furthermore, not only individual shipping slots (in the example of FIG. 9, the shipping slots corresponding to the combined lots X1 and X2 of Company A, lot X4 of Company B, and lot X5 of Company C) but also an overall shipping slot (in the example of FIG. 9, the shipping slots corresponding to the combined lots X1 and X2 of Company A, lot X4 of Company B, and lot X5 of Company C) may be calculated. As with the calculation of the individual shipping slots described above, the calculation of the overall shipping slot may be performed by server 210 or by terminal 220. If calculated by terminal 220, the calculation results of the shipping slot may be transmitted from terminal 220 to server 210.

[0105] For example, in the example of FIG. 9, Company A supplies 1,500 tons of scrap (lots X1, X2, and X3), Company B supplies 500 tons of scrap (lot X4), and Company C supplies 250 tons of scrap (lot X5). Information such as the amount of each company's supply is stored in the first metal resource database. Next, after the metal material is produced, the smelter processing record database may store information about which lot of the first metal resource was used in the current production. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, it may store information that lots X1, X2, X4, and X5 of the first metal resource were used. Based on this information, it is calculated how much metal material was obtained when the first metal resource provided by each company was input. For example, if we consider the production of Cu bullion as a metal material, we can calculate the weight of Cu contained in Company A's scrap (Lots X1 and X2) by multiplying the weight of 1,000 tonnes of scrap (Lots X1 and X2) by the Cu grade of Company A's scrap. Similarly, we can calculate the weight of Cu contained in Company B's scrap by multiplying the weight of 500 tonnes of scrap (Lot X4) by the Cu grade of Company B's scrap. Furthermore, similar calculations can be performed for scrap provided by Company C, as with Companies A and B. However, other methods can also be used. For example, if the Cu grade of the scrap provided by Company C is extremely high, we can assume the Cu grade is 100% and use the weight of Company C's scrap, 250 tonnes.

[0106] Using the above method, the amount of metal material obtained from each company's first metal resource (in other words, the contribution amount in the production of metal material) is calculated for each company. The contribution amounts calculated for each company are then summed. This allows the overall contribution amount to be calculated. Furthermore, the overall shipping quota can be calculated based at least on the overall contribution amount.

[0107] Furthermore, the yield included in the smelter processing record database may be further taken into consideration, and the contribution amount of each company's metallic material may be calculated by multiplying the weight of Cu in each company's scrap by the yield rate.

[0108] The significance of the overall shipping quota is the same as that explained in Figure 8-1 (see "6-3. Calculation of the overall shipping quota").

[0109] The calculated individual shipping quotas and the total shipping quota may be transmitted from the server 210 to the terminal 220.

[0110] Regarding the calculation of shipping quotas described in "6-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas" and "6-3. Calculation of overall shipping quotas," and the calculation of shipping quotas described in "7-2. Calculation of individual shipping quotas" and "7-3. Calculation of overall shipping quotas," only the former may be performed, only the latter may be performed, or both may be performed. If both are performed, the former shipping quota calculation may be considered as a provisional shipping quota.

[0111] 8. Obtaining shipping slot information (Step 4 and other steps) After the server 210 calculates the individual shipping quotas using the above method, the terminal 220 can receive information about the individual shipping quotas. This allows the terminal 220 to check the individual shipping quotas generated by the current refining process. Furthermore, the terminal 220 can check information about past individual shipping quotas and / or the shipping quota obtained by adding the individual shipping quotas generated by the current refining process to the past individual shipping quotas. For example, in the example of Figure 2, assuming a 100% yield and that all of the supplied Cu amount is reflected in the shipping quota, 100 tons is the individual shipping quota related to Company A and generated by the current refining process.

[0112] Furthermore, the terminal 220 can receive information about the total shipping quota, including the shipping quota for recycled products that have not been allocated to individual providers. This allows the terminal 220 to check the total shipping quota. In the example of Figure 2, assuming a 100% yield and that all of the supplied Cu amount is reflected in the shipping quota, the total Cu amount supplied by all of companies A to C, 250 tons, is the total shipping quota generated by this smelting process.

[0113] To reiterate, as mentioned above, the shipping quota is not a shipping quota for partially recycled products as shown in Figure 2, but a shipping quota for 100% recycled products (i.e., recycled products that are treated as being manufactured only from the first metal resource) as shown in Figure 3.

[0114] 9. Shipping process (steps 5 and 6) After producing the metal materials, the smelter can ship the recycled products in response to orders from customers. When an order is received and / or when shipping is performed, the terminal 220 may transmit order information and / or shipping information to the server 210. Alternatively, regarding an order, the terminal 300 may access the server 210 and send the order information directly. In that case, the server 210 may transmit the order information to the terminal 220. The user of the terminal 220 can then confirm the order details.

[0115] Server 210 may update the target product inventory management database upon receiving the order information and / or shipping information, and may update, for example, information indicating that the order has been allocated to a portion of a shipping slot for recycled products and / or information indicating that the product has been shipped.

[0116] Upon receiving the order information and / or shipping information, the server 210 may update the target product inventory management database. Then, for example, the server 210 may perform a process to reduce the shipping quota of the customer to which the product is to be shipped, depending on the amount of metal materials shipped as recycled products.

[0117] Separately from the order information and / or shipping information, updated shipping quota information obtained by subtracting the shipping quantity of recycled products from the shipping quota may be transmitted from terminal 220 to server 210, and server 210 may use this information to update the target product inventory management database. Such updated shipping quota information can also be considered information about the shipping of recycled products in a broad sense, since it reflects the shipping quantity of recycled products.

[0118] For example, let's say Company A has a shipping quota of 500 tons and decides to ship metal materials as recycled products in the form of four 100-ton bullion units. In this case, Company A can subtract 400 tons from its existing shipping quota of 500 tons.

[0119] If the information on the total shipping quota for recycled products includes the shipping quota for the customer updated above, the same process is performed on the total shipping quota for recycled products, subtracting the shipping amount of recycled products from the shipping quota.

[0120] Note that the process of reducing the shipping slot does not necessarily have to be performed when order information and / or shipping information is received, and may be configured to be performed only for those who have entered into such a contract, etc. Therefore, for example, information indicating whether or not to perform the shipping slot adjustment process may be stored in the target product inventory management database. Then, when the server 210 receives order information and / or shipping information, it may refer to the target product inventory management database and determine whether or not to perform the shipping slot adjustment process. Then, only when it is determined that the shipping slot adjustment process should be performed, the above-mentioned shipping slot adjustment process may be performed.

[0121] The same applies to the case where the first metallic resource is received, and the target product inventory management database may be referenced to determine whether or not to adjust the shipping slot.

[0122] 10. Other processes In addition to the above-described processes, the method of the present disclosure in one embodiment may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives from the server 210 carbon footprint information of the recycled product assigned to a specific party among the multiple parties. This allows the user of the terminal 220 to check the carbon footprint information of the manufactured metal material (and even the metal material to be shipped). In some cases, the carbon footprint information can be added to the customer at the time of shipping, and the metal material can be shipped. Alternatively, as described above, a portion of the target product inventory management database may be set up so that it is accessible to the terminal 300 of the provider of the first metal resource or another party (e.g., a party associated with a specific attribute), and the customer (e.g., the provider of the first metal resource or another party) to whom the recycled product is to be shipped may themselves obtain the carbon footprint information of their recycled product. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing recycled products that are provided with information about the carbon footprint of the recycled products.

[0123] In a further embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource. In this case, the source of the information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource may be the server 210 or the terminal 300. When the server 210 is the source, the server 210 may have previously acquired information on the first metal resource, including the carbon footprint information, from the terminal 300. For example, the server 210 may acquire the information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource from the first metal resource database and send it to the terminal 220. When the terminal 300 is the source, for example, the terminal 220 may acquire the information on the first metal resource, including the carbon footprint information, (for example, by means of email, etc.), and then the terminal 220 may send the information on the first metal resource, including the carbon footprint information, to the server 210. The server 210 may then update the first metal resource database and store the information on the first metal resource, including the carbon footprint information.

[0124] In a further embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may further include a step in which the terminal 220 receives carbon footprint information of the first metal resource and / or carbon footprint information related to the third process from the server 210. The carbon footprint information related to the third process may be information based on the carbon footprint value associated with the third process described in Section "7. Updating manufacturing data."

[0125] The server 210 may derive carbon footprint information of the manufactured metallic material (and further, the metallic material to be shipped) based at least on the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource and the carbon footprint information related to the third process. Furthermore, the server 210 may aggregate the carbon footprint information of the manufactured metallic material (and further, the metallic material to be shipped) for each attribute of the first metallic resource (e.g., each provider). Here, for example, the carbon footprint information of the metallic material may be calculated assuming that the metallic material is manufactured only from first metallic resources having a specific attribute (e.g., provided by a specific provider). In this case, the carbon footprint information of the metallic material may be calculated using the carbon footprint information of the first metallic resource having the specific attribute.

[0126] In one embodiment, the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource can be managed by provider. For example, a metallic material that is treated as being produced only from a first metallic resource having a specific attribute may be assigned a carbon footprint amount associated with the first metallic resource having the specific attribute. The specific attribute may then be a specific provider of the first metallic resource.

[0127] Figure 8-2 shows the flow for managing the carbon footprint of each provider. Companies A, B, and C are all companies involved in scrap processing.

[0128] The carbon footprint of scrap from Company B is 8 t of CO2 equivalent per ton of scrap. Five t of scrap is supplied. Therefore, the total CO2 emissions from the scrap from Company B is 40 t of CO2 (8 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Furthermore, processing 1 t of scrap at the smelter adds a carbon footprint equivalent to 4 t of CO2. Therefore, the CO2 emissions generated when processing all of the scrap from Company B at the smelter are 20 t of CO2 (4 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Therefore, if metal materials are produced from all of the scrap from Company B, the CO2 emissions associated with the metal materials will be 60 t of CO2. Furthermore, if the yield is 80%, the amount of metal materials obtained from 5 t of scrap from Company B will be 1.2 t (scrap amount x Cu grade x yield 5 t x 30% x 80%). Therefore, the carbon footprint of metal materials originating from Company B is 50tCO2 / tCu (60t ÷ 1.2t) per unit weight.

[0129] Using the same calculation to calculate the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from other providers, we get the following results. - From Company A: 50tCO2 / tCu ·From Company B: 50tCO2 / tCu ·From Company C: 50tCO2 / tCu Concentrate-derived: 112.5tCO2 / tCu

[0130] If we calculate the total amount of metal material, regardless of the provider, we get the following: First, the total amount of metal material obtained is 5.2 tons (0.8 + 1.2 + 1.6 + 1.6 = 5.2). Then, the total CO2 emissions are 360 tCO2 ((20 + 20) + (40 + 20) + (60 + 20) + (160 + 20) = 360). Therefore, the carbon footprint per unit weight is 69 tCO2 / tCu.

[0131] For example, if 1.2 tons of metal materials are shipped to Company B, the CO2 emissions from that metal material will be 82.8 tons (1.2 tons x 69 tons of CO2 / t Cu). However, as mentioned above, based on the mass balance approach, the 1.2 tons of metal materials shipped to Company B can be treated as having been manufactured solely from scrap originating from Company B. Based on this treatment, the CO2 emissions from the metal materials will be 60 tons (1.2 tons x 50 tons of CO2 / t Cu).

[0132] In another embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may include a step of transmitting carbon footprint information of recycled products assigned to a specific one of the multiple parties to the server 210. For example, carbon footprint information of manufactured metal materials (and further, metal materials to be shipped) may be derived on the terminal 220 side, rather than the server 210. The information and processing required for the derivation may be similar to those of the server 210. After the derivation, the terminal 220 can transmit the carbon footprint information of manufactured metal materials (and further, metal materials to be shipped) to the server 210. The server 210 can update a database (e.g., a target product inventory management database) based on the transmitted information.

[0133] 11. Modifications of the embodiment In the above-described embodiment, in the fourth step, the terminal receives from the server information about a first shipping quota for recycled products that are assigned to a specific one of the parties and are treated as being manufactured from only the first metallic resource. The first shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource provided by the specific one party that has contributed or is expected to contribute to the production of the metallic material in the third step.

[0134] However, the above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways. For example, the fourth step may be modified so that recycled products are treated as being manufactured only from a first metallic resource having a specific attribute, such as a specific use, location, or manufacturer from which the first metallic resource originates. The fourth step may also be modified so that the first shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource with the specific attribute that has contributed, or is expected to contribute, to the production of the metallic material in the third step. Similar modifications can also be made to the calculation of the carbon footprint. Specific examples are described below.

[0135] 11-1.Management by use 11-1-1. Management of recycling amounts by use Figure 10 shows an example in which a metal material (e.g., Cu bullion as described above) is produced from a first metal resource derived from a specific use and then shipped to a party related to the same use (e.g., a party purchasing the metal material to produce an item for the same use). Specifically, the following three types of scrap are provided to a smelter: 5t of scrap from automobiles (Cu content 20%) 5t of scrap from electronic components (Cu content 30%) 5t of scrap from building materials (Cu content 40%)

[0136] Additionally, the smelter will receive 10 tonnes of concentrate from the mine (Cu content 20%).

[0137] And, since the yield is 80%, the metal materials obtained from the metal resources of each origin are as follows. Car: 0.8t Electronic components: 1.2t ·Building materials: 1.6t ·Concentrate: 1.6t

[0138] Therefore, a total of 5.2 tons of metal materials are obtained. 3.6 tons are derived from recycling, of which 1.2 tons are derived from electronic components. Therefore, the recycling rate for all metal materials is 69% (3.6 tons / 5.2 tons x 100), and the recycling rate for the portion of all metal materials derived from electronic components is 23% (1.2 tons / 5.2 tons x 100). Therefore, if 1.2 tons of metal materials are shipped for use in electronic components, 0.28 tons (1.2 tons x 23%) will be derived from electronic components.

[0139] However, using the mass balance approach, the 1.2 t of metal materials shipped for use in electronic components can all be treated as originating from electronic components.

[0140] In Figure 10, 1.2 tons of metal material is shipped. However, there is an upper limit to the amount of metal material that can be shipped as 100% recycled metal material derived from electronic components. Here, as described above, a total of 5.2 tons of metal material is obtained, of which 1.2 tons is derived from electronic components. Therefore, 1.2 tons is the upper limit of the shipping quota. Furthermore, when a material is shipped for use as electronic components, the above-mentioned system and / or information processing terminal performs a process to reduce the shipping quota by the amount of that shipment. For example, when 0.5 tons is shipped for use as electronic components, 0.5 tons is reduced from the shipping quota of 1.2 tons, leaving 0.7 tons as the remaining shipping quota. Furthermore, when further shipments for use as electronic components occur, a process to further reduce the remaining shipping quota is performed.

[0141] Adopting the above system will contribute to the realization of horizontal recycling (for example, using used products as raw materials to create new identical products).

[0142] Examples of applications include, but are not limited to, automobile parts, electronic parts, and building materials, and examples of electronic parts include wire harnesses.

[0143] 11-1-2. Carbon Footprint (CFP) Management by Use In addition to or instead of managing the recycling amount by application, the carbon footprint amount may be managed by application. For example, a metal material that is treated as being produced only from metal resources with specific attributes may be assigned the carbon footprint amount associated with the metal resources with the specific attributes.

[0144] FIG. 11 is a similar structure to FIG. 10, but with the addition of information regarding the carbon footprint amount.

[0145] The carbon footprint of electronic component scrap is 8 t of CO2 equivalent per ton of scrap. Five t of scrap is supplied. Therefore, the total CO2 emissions from electronic component scrap is 40 t of CO2 (8 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Furthermore, processing 1 t of scrap at a smelter adds a carbon footprint equivalent to 4 t of CO2. Therefore, the CO2 emissions generated when processing all of the electronic component scrap at a smelter are 20 t of CO2 (4 t of CO2 / t of scrap x 5 t). Therefore, if metal materials are produced from all of the electronic component scrap, the CO2 emissions associated with the metal materials will be 60 t of CO2. Furthermore, if the yield is 80%, the amount of metal materials obtained from 5 t of electronic component scrap will be 1.2 t (scrap amount x Cu grade x yield 5 t x 30% x 80%). Therefore, the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from electronic components is 50tCO2 / tCu (60t ÷ 1.2t) per unit weight.

[0146] Using the same calculation to calculate the carbon footprint of metal materials derived from other uses, etc., we get the following results. -Automobile-derived: 50tCO2 / tCu Electronic components: 50tCO2 / tCu ·Derived from building materials: 50tCO2 / tCu Concentrate-derived: 112.5tCO2 / tCu

[0147] If we calculate the total amount of metal material, ignoring its use, we get the following: First, the total amount of metal material obtained is 5.2 tons (0.8 + 1.2 + 1.6 + 1.6 = 5.2). Then, the total CO2 emissions are 360 tCO2 ((20 + 20) + (40 + 20) + (60 + 20) + (160 + 20) = 360). Therefore, the carbon footprint per unit weight is 69 tCO2 / tCu.

[0148] For example, if 1.2 tons of metal material is shipped for use in electronic components, the CO2 emissions from that metal material will be 82.8 tons (1.2 tons x 69 tons of CO2 / t Cu). However, as mentioned above, based on the mass balance approach, 1.2 tons of metal material shipped for use in electronic components can be treated as if it were manufactured solely from scrap originating from electronic component use. Based on this treatment, the CO2 emissions from the metal material will be 60 tons (1.2 tons x 50 tons of CO2 / t Cu).

[0149] 11-1-3. Data related to management of carbon footprint (CFP) amounts by use To realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store information on uses related to the first metal resource (for example, uses of goods before the first metal resource is manufactured) in addition to the items described above (see "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of the first metal resource"). Furthermore, it may store information on the amount of carbon footprint for each use related to the first metal resource.

[0150] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metallic Resources"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information on one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, (B) the shipping quota volume of recycled products for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, (C) the carbon footprint of recycled products for each use of the goods from which the first metallic resource is derived, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, for the recycled products to be shipped, (B) the shipping quota volume is 1.2 tons, the carbon footprint of the (C) recycled product is 50 tCO2 / tCu, and of these, the carbon footprint of the first metallic resource for each use of the goods from which the (A) first metallic resource is derived is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0151] This information may then be processed by and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0152] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas by application. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the shipping quota for electronic parts is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time a shipping quota for electronic parts is used, a process may be performed to reduce the shipping quota.

[0153] In another example, the above information may be used to assign a carbon footprint for each use of shipped metal materials. For example, in the example of Figure 11, a shipment of 1.2 tonnes for electronic components is made, and the carbon footprint for the electronic components is assigned to that shipment.

[0154] For data processing related to recycling rates, carbon footprint amounts, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating manufacturing data" described above may be applied.

[0155] By using the above-mentioned mechanism, horizontal recycling can be realized.

[0156] 11-2. Location-specific management As another modification of the embodiment, management according to location is also possible. Figure 12 shows similar content to Figure 11. While Figure 11 shows a flow by application, Figure 12 shows a flow by country. For ease of understanding, the calculation content is set to be the same as Figure 11.

[0157] The "location" may be a country unit, or may be a region unit within a specific country (e.g., a state, prefecture, etc.). In Fig. 12, an example of management according to country is shown as an example of the "location".

[0158] In Figure 12, some of the metal materials manufactured from metal resources, including scrap, in Country B are shipped to Country B (for example, by a manufacturer in Country B). The metal materials shipped to Country B are then treated as having been recycled solely from scrap in Country B. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the metal materials shipped to Country B is calculated as if they were manufactured solely from scrap in Country B.

[0159] To realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store, in addition to the above-described items (see "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of the first metal resource"), information on locations related to the first metal resource (for example, locations where the first metal resource is produced (for example, locations where scrap is produced), or locations where goods, waste materials, offcuts, etc. for producing the first metal resource are shipped, etc.). Furthermore, it may store information on the amount of carbon footprint for each location related to the first metal resource.

[0160] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metal Resource"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information related to one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metal resource for each location related to the first metal resource, (B) the volume of the shipping quota for recycled products for each location related to the first metal resource, (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled products for each location related to the first metal resource, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 12, for the recycled products to be shipped, (B) the volume of the shipping quota is 1.2 tons, the carbon footprint of the (C) recycled products is 50 tCO2 / tCu, and of this, the carbon footprint for each location from which the (A) first metal resource originates is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0161] This information may then be processed by and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0162] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas by location. For example, in the example of FIG. 12, the shipping quota for country B is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time a shipping quota for country B is used, a process may be performed to reduce the shipping quota.

[0163] In another example, the above information may be used to assign a location-specific carbon footprint to a shipment of metal materials. For example, in the example of Figure 12, a shipment of 1.2 t to Country B is made and the carbon footprint corresponding to Country B is assigned to that shipment.

[0164] For data processing related to recycling rates, carbon footprint amounts, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating manufacturing data" described above may be applied.

[0165] By adopting the above system, it will be possible to promote the circulation of specific domestic resources.

[0166] 11-3. Management of primary metal resources by manufacturer As another modification of the embodiment, management can be performed according to the manufacturer from which the first metallic resource originates. Note that the "manufacturer from which the first metallic resource originates" refers to the manufacturer of the goods from which the first metallic resource originates. In Figure 13, which will be described later, Manufacturer A and Manufacturer B correspond to the manufacturers from which the first metallic resource originates, while Company X, which processes scrap, does not correspond to the manufacturers from which the first metallic resource originates. Figure 13 shows content similar to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows a flow by application, and Figure 12 shows a flow by country, while Figure 13 shows a flow by manufacturer. For ease of understanding, the calculation content and the like are set to be the same as Figure 11.

[0167] For example, manufacturer A may ask company X to process its products into scrap. Similarly, manufacturer B may ask company X to process its products into scrap. Manufacturer C processes its products into scrap in-house. This scrap is then shipped to a smelter to be made into metal materials.

[0168] 8-1 to 8-9 and the related embodiments described above, the recycling rate, carbon footprint, etc. are managed according to the provider of the first metal resource. In FIG. 13, the provider of the first metal resource is a party that directly or indirectly provides the metal resource (e.g., Company A, Company B, Company C, Company X). On the other hand, the manufacturer of the goods is a party that manufactures the goods before they are processed into the first metal resource (e.g., Company A, Company B, Company C).

[0169] In Figure 13, some of the metal materials produced from the first metal resource, including scrap produced from Company B's products, are shipped to Company B. The metal materials shipped to Company B are treated as having been recycled solely from scrap produced from Company B's products. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the metal materials shipped to Company B is calculated as if they had been produced solely from scrap produced from Company B's products.

[0170] To realize the above-described mechanism, the first metal resource database may store information identifying the manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates, in addition to the above-described items (see "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources"). Furthermore, it may store information regarding the amount of carbon footprint for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates.

[0171] In addition to the items described above (see "6. Data Processing Associated with Acquisition of First Metal Resources"), the target product inventory management database may be configured to store information on one or more of the following: (A) the carbon footprint of the first metal resource for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates, (B) the volume of the shipping quota for recycled products for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates, (C) the carbon footprint of recycled products for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, for the recycled products to be shipped, (B) the volume of the shipping quota is 1.2 tons, and (C) the carbon footprint of the recycled products is 50 tCO2 / tCu, of which (A) the carbon footprint for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates is 8 tCO2 / tscrap, and this information may be stored.

[0172] This information may then be processed by and / or transmitted and received by the server 210 and / or the terminal 220 described above.

[0173] For example, the above information may be used to manage shipping quotas for each manufacturer of goods related to the first metallic resource. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, the shipping quota for manufacturer B is 1.2 tons, and information on the amount of this shipping quota may be stored. Then, each time the shipping quota for manufacturer B is used, a process may be performed to reduce the shipping quota.

[0174] In another example, the above information may be used to assign a carbon footprint for each product manufacturer to a shipment of metal materials. For example, in the example of Figure 13, a shipment of 1.2 tons to Company B is made, and the carbon footprint for Company B is assigned to that shipment.

[0175] For data processing related to recycling rates, carbon footprint amounts, and shipping quotas (e.g., individual shipping quotas and / or overall shipping quotas), the contents of "6. Data processing associated with the acquisition of first metal resources" and / or "7. Updating manufacturing data" described above may be applied.

[0176] By adopting the above system, it becomes possible to promote closed resource circulation within a specific manufacturer.

[0177] 11-4.Management by attribute combination In the embodiments described so far, management has been performed for each provider, use, location, and manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates. Management may also be performed for any combination of these four elements. For example, management may be performed for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates and for each specific use. For example, if the manufacturer is an automobile manufacturer, the provided scrap may be managed separately for sheet metal and engine parts. In this case, management of shipping quotas and calculation of carbon footprint amounts may be performed for each manufacturer from which the first metal resource originates and for each specific use. In another example, if a provider of the first metal resource ships first metal resources originating from multiple countries, management may be performed for each provider of the first metal resource and for each country.

[0178] 11-5. Manufacturing of metal materials from primary metal resources In the embodiments described so far, a second metal resource has been provided to the smelter. However, in some embodiments, the provision of a second metal resource may be omitted, and metallic materials may be produced from only the first metal resource. Figure 14 shows an embodiment similar to Figure 13. However, the embodiment shown in Figure 14 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in that concentrate from a mine is not provided to the smelter.

[0179] Similarly, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 3 and 8-1 to 12, provision of the second metal resource may be omitted, and the metal material may be produced from only the first metal resource.

[0180] If a metallic material is produced solely from the first metallic resource, the metallic material is a 100% recycled product. However, even if multiple identical 100% recycled products are produced, different attributes can be assigned to each of them based on the mass balance approach depending on the specific attributes of the first metallic resource.

[0181] For example, in the example of Figure 14, if you change the shipping to Company A as well as Company B, both Company A and Company B will receive 100% recycled products. However, using the mass balance approach, the 100% recycled products provided to Company A can be assigned attributes derived from Company A (within the limits of the shipping quota). And the 100% recycled products provided to Company B can be assigned attributes derived from Company B.

[0182] Specific embodiments of the invention have been described above. The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, technical features disclosed in one of the above embodiments may be applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, for a particular method, the order of some steps may be interchanged, and additional steps may be added between two specific steps. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0183] Potential for contributing to the SDGs According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to promote the use of metal materials with low CFP, which may lead to reducing the impact on climate change. Therefore, one embodiment of the present disclosure may contribute to Goal 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts" and / or Goal 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 100 Information processing device 110 processors 120 memory 130 Non-transitory storage medium 140 Communication Module 200 systems 210 Server 220 terminals 300 Terminal of a person associated with a particular attribute (e.g., a first metal resource provider or other person)

Claims

1. 1. A method for managing the recycling of metal resources, comprising: The method comprises: (A) a first step of acquiring a first metal resource from a plurality of parties, wherein the first metal resource is a used product that is to be recycled, or a scrap or waste material generated in the process of manufacturing the product; (B) optionally obtaining a second metal resource, wherein the second metal resource is a mineral-derived resource; (C) a third step of producing a metal material using raw materials, the raw materials including the first metal resource obtained in the first step, and the raw materials may also include the second metal resource obtained in the second step; (D) a fourth step in which the terminal receives from the server information regarding a first shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resources having a specific attribute among the first metal resources acquired in the first step, wherein the first shipping quota depends on the amount that the first metal resources having the specific attribute have contributed to the manufacturing of the metal material in the third step, or the amount that is expected to contribute; (E) a fifth step of shipping the metal material as the recycled product to a person associated with the specific attribute; (F) a sixth step in which the terminal transmits information about the shipment of the fifth step to the server, and the server updates the information about the first shipping quota stored in the server so as to subtract the amount of the recycled products to be shipped from the first shipping quota; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource was provided by a specific one of the plurality of parties, and the party associated with the specific attribute is the specific one party.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a specific use, and a person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the same use as the specific use.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a specific location, and the person associated with the specific attribute is a person associated with the specific location.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the particular attribute includes at least that the first metal resource originates from a particular manufacturer, and the entity associated with the particular attribute is the particular manufacturer.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising: a step in which the terminal receives from the server information regarding a second shipping quota for recycled products that are treated as having been manufactured only from the first metallic resource having the specific attribute, wherein the second shipping quota depends on the amount of the first metallic resource provided by the plurality of parties that has contributed to, or is expected to contribute to, the manufacturing of the metallic material in the third step; The method further comprises:

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step in which the terminal receives from the server carbon footprint information (hereinafter, product carbon footprint information) of the recycled product that is treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising the step of receiving, by the terminal, information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising a step of the terminal receiving from the server information on the carbon footprint of the first metal resource and / or information on the carbon footprint related to the third step.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step in which the terminal transmits to a server information on the carbon footprint of the recycled product (hereinafter, product carbon footprint information) assigned to the recycled product treated as having been manufactured only from the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

11. 11. The method of claim 7 or 10, wherein the product carbon footprint information is calculated as if the product were manufactured only from the first metal resource having a specific attribute, and is calculated using at least carbon footprint information of the first metal resource having the specific attribute.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metallic material is electrolytic copper.

13. 10. A method of producing said metallic material using the method of claim 1, said metallic material being treated as being produced solely from said first metallic source.

14. 11. A method of producing the recycled product using the method of claim 7 or 10, wherein information of the carbon footprint of the recycled product is imparted to the recycled product.

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