Incorporating Environmental Impacts into Short-Term Mine Planning: A Literature Survey

Abstract

This paper aims to address the significant financial, environmental, and social risks posed by climate change to the mining industry, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With 70% of mining projects for the six largest mining companies located in water-stressed regions, the industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its impact. Our study investigates the applicability of multi-objective optimization to integrate environmental impact considerations into short-term planning for mining operations. To achieve this, we have reviewed similar studies in various industries and developed an integrated planning framework that incorporates environmental considerations into production planning for surface mines. Our framework has the potential to be utilized in both short- and long-term planning horizons, promoting sustainable mining practices. Through this research, we aim to provide mining engineers with a more comprehensive and effective approach to minimize the environmental impacts of their operations while maintaining efficient production.