> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.greenzero.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Resource Use, Minerals & Metals (PEF)

> Mineral and metal resource depletion category in the PEF methodology

<Warning>
  Assessed only when applying the **Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)** methodology.
</Warning>

## Definition

Resource Use, Minerals & Metals quantifies depletion of mineral resources. It is expressed in **kg Sb eq** (kilograms of antimony equivalents).

## Environmental Mechanism

Mining and processing of ores reduce the availability of finite mineral resources and can lead to ecosystem disruption.

## Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

1. Record consumption of mineral and metal resources.
2. Multiply by ILCD characterization factors (kg Sb eq).
3. Sum across all processes.

<Info>
  **About ReCiPe 2016**

  ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.

  The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.

  ReCiPe 2016 includes a mineral depletion indicator but it is not among Journey's default
  categories.
</Info>

## Environmental Cost Conversion

No CE Delft cost factor is available, so results are given in kg Sb eq.

## Example Calculation

```
Impact = 0.05 kg Sb eq
```

## Interpretation

Large values indicate high reliance on scarce minerals, which may signal supply risk and environmental burden from mining.

## Reduction Strategies

* Design for material efficiency and recycling
* Substitute critical metals where possible

## Data Quality Considerations

* Ore grade assumptions influence depletion results

## Related Impact Categories

* Land Use