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Strategic Approaches to Define the Production Rate in Conceptual Projects of Critical Raw Materials

Author

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  • Lucas Zucchi Silva

    (Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373—Cidade Universitária—Butantã CEP, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil)

  • Anna Luiza Marques Ayres da Silva

    (Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2373—Cidade Universitária—Butantã CEP, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil)

Abstract

Mining projects are intricate, requiring significant time and investment for feasibility studies, despite a low likelihood of reaching execution. Accurate project factors can optimize costs across the study, execution, and operation phases. This work proposes a strategic approach to define the production rate in conceptual projects of critical raw materials, based on well-established formulae from Taylor, Long, and Singer, focusing on copper, zinc, and lead. Copper and zinc are crucial for renewable energy systems and low-carbon technologies, while lead supports energy storage applications. A dataset containing mine production and mineral resources from several mine projects, gathered from a specialized global company, was used to create a production rate equation and then compared using an adherence indicator to validate the formulae. The best adherence indicator from earlier studies was 59%. Copper projects did not show good adherence to the new formulae. Zinc and lead projects showed very good results, generating three formulae with good adherence numbers (above 70%), and they can be taken as a reference to calculate the production rate of new open-pit and underground mining projects. These findings offer a reliable strategic approach for estimating production rates in early-stage zinc and lead projects, enhancing the efficiency of the conceptual study phase in mining.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas Zucchi Silva & Anna Luiza Marques Ayres da Silva, 2025. "Strategic Approaches to Define the Production Rate in Conceptual Projects of Critical Raw Materials," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:11-:d:1562650
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Northey, S. & Mohr, S. & Mudd, G.M. & Weng, Z. & Giurco, D., 2014. "Modelling future copper ore grade decline based on a detailed assessment of copper resources and mining," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 190-201.
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