Development Of A Methodology That Integrates Environmental And Social Variables In The Investment Decision Process For Mining Projects

In modern mining, the core of mine planning and design is the block model, a simplified representation wherein the ore deposit is divided in a number of virtual rock cubes, each characterized by technical and economics parameters. Mining engineers use this model to design the mine and develop production schedules. Traditionally, sustainability issues are not considered in the mine design, planning and engineering processes but rather are incorporated in the later stages of the feasibility evaluation as necessary expenditures and operating costs. This paper describes the results of a research project aiming to develop a methodology to incorporate sustainability parameters directly into the block model, so that they become an integral part of the design, planning and scheduling processes. It is considered that the incorporation of sustainable parameters into the block model would yield a more responsible mine design and improve mining projects sustainability performance