Title: Development of a methodology that integrates environmental and social attributes in the ore resource evaluation and mine planning

Authors: Javier I. Muñoz; Ronald R. Guzmán; José A. Botín

Addresses: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile ' Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile ' Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Abstract: In current mine project feasibility studies, sustainability issues are not taken into consideration in the mine design, planning and engineering processes. They are rather incorporated at later stages of the feasibility evaluation as necessary capital and operating costs. This paper describes the results of a research project aiming to develop a methodology to incorporate sustainability parameters directly into the ore body block model, so that they become an integral part of the evaluation, design, planning and scheduling processes. The methodology is then illustrated with a block model of a real porphyry copper deposit. Incorporating sustainable parameters into the block model would yield a more responsible mine design and improve mining projects sustainability performance.

Keywords: mining projects; ore body block model; sustainability; mine planning; mine design; energy; water; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; acid mine drainage potential; employment; mine project feasibility; sustainable development; ore resource evaluation; porphyry copper deposits; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2014.058918

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.1, pp.38 - 58

Published online: 04 Jun 2014 *

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