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Sustainable long-term production planning of open pit mines: An integrated framework for concurrent economical and environmental optimization

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  • Mirzehi, Mohammad
  • Moradi Afrapoli, Ali

Abstract

As the global demand for mineral resources continues to rise, the mining industry's environmental impact has garnered increasing attention. Sustainable mining practices demand the incorporation of environmental considerations into every phase of planning and operation. This article addresses the critical need to consider and minimize the negative environmental impacts of the operation in the long-term planning of open pit mines, with a specific focus on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) and dust emissions. To achieve this, the article suggests an integrated framework that incorporates environmental data obtained from life cycle assessment (LCA) and a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) into the mine planning process. This framework, referred to as LCA-MILP, quantifies the environmental impact of mining activities. The article examines various GHG constraints and economic scenarios. To assess and verify the effectiveness of our proposed LCA-MILP framework, we conducted a case study on an open-pit iron ore mine situated in the Middle East. This article underscores the vital role of harmonizing environmental impact with long-term open-pit mine planning, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and socially responsible mining industry. For example, it was feasible to reduce the GHG emissions for 11.05% while achieving 93.66% of the original NPV. In another instance, the framework was capable of achieving the same NPV as the baseline with a 2% price adjustment (a common policy), while attaining a 5.39% reduction in its environmental impact. These measurable outcomes offer mining managers a comprehension of the compromises and prospects associated with incorporating factors into their long-term mine planning procedure promoting a mining industry that is both sustainable and economically viable.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirzehi, Mohammad & Moradi Afrapoli, Ali, 2024. "Sustainable long-term production planning of open pit mines: An integrated framework for concurrent economical and environmental optimization," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:94:y:2024:i:c:s0301420724004987
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.105131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gan, Yu & Griffin, W. Michael, 2018. "Analysis of life-cycle GHG emissions for iron ore mining and processing in China—Uncertainty and trends," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 90-96.
    2. Vahidi, Ehsan & Navarro, Julio & Zhao, Fu, 2016. "An initial life cycle assessment of rare earth oxides production from ion-adsorption clays," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-11.
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    4. Tabesh, Mohammad & Moradi Afrapoli, Ali & Askari-Nasab, Hooman, 2023. "A two-stage simultaneous optimization of NPV and throughput in production planning of open pit mines," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    5. Heydari, Mehrnoosh & Osanloo, Morteza & Başçetin, Ataç, 2023. "Developing a new social impact assessment model for deep open-pit mines," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    6. Mishra, Anshumali & Das, Sarat Kumar & Reddy, Krishna R., 2023. "Life cycle triple bottom line sustainability assessment of coal mine overburden sand versus river sand," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
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    1. Mehri Aghdamigargari & Sylvester Avane & Angelina Anani & Sefiu O. Adewuyi, 2024. "Sustainability in Long-Term Surface Mine Planning: A Systematic Review of Operations Research Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-24, November.

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