In the MinFuture project we aim to integrate four core dimensions, (1) Stages (2) Trade (3) Linkages (4)
Time.
- Stages: Stages represent the various transformation steps that materials go through during their
lifetime, including mining, material production, manufacturing of products, their use, and end-of-life
management. These principle stages can be analyzed either at an aggregate level or the stages can be
refined using a variety of sub-processes. A material cycle is constructed by combining the different
stages together and illustrating the flows and stocks of material.
- Trade: Trade represents the exchange of all goods along the supply chain (between all stages) among
countries or regions. Material cycles can be constructed by either showing the trade between a country
and the rest of the world, or with individual other countries.