A simulation-based framework for estimating probable open-pit mine closure time and cost

Paricheh, Morteza; Osanloo, M.

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.08.202

Cited by 16 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Previous studies on mine closure and post-mining land use have primarily focused on remediation and rehabilitation of mined lands with limited consideration of stakeholder perspectives and the broader social, economic, and cultural impacts of closure [29,[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68]. Research on sustainable development and mine closure has focused on risks [69][70][71][72] and costs [73,74] associated with mine closure, as well as policies related to closure [75,76]. A couple studies have focused on community wellbeing in the context of mine closure.…”

Section: Previous Studies and Gapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Responsible mine closure and repurposing are key to contributing to sustainable development by ensuring successful environmental rehabilitation and reducing socioeconomic risks. However, mine closure has primarily focused on remediation and rehabilitation of mined lands with limited consideration of stakeholder perspectives and the broader social, economic, and cultural impacts of closure. In this paper, we use stakeholder input to evaluate and compare three different repurposing alternatives for the tailings dam area of a mine in the state of Colorado, USA, which is expected to close in the next twenty years. By using multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT), we determine which alternative better reflects stakeholder preferences and results in the most economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable outcome. Our results show that although stakeholder groups have different ideas about what constitutes sustainable development in the context of mine closure and repurposing, it is possible to identify to what extent different scenarios can address these perspectives. We argue that integrating stakeholder views into mine closure design and repurposing can lead to more responsible and sustainable mine closure that is unique to a particular setting and stakeholder needs, and we provide a methodology that mining companies may use to understand stakeholder priorities and preferences.

show abstract

Section: Previous Studies and Gapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modified the OSMRE classification by aggregating similar detail cost items into some general items [3]. Some researchers [28][29][30][31] focus on developing simulation-based approaches to estimate mine closure and reclamation costs. In these studies, by defining different scenarios and using the Monte Carlo simulation method, a probabilistic distribution diagram of mine reclamation costs is presented, determining mine reclamation costs at varying levels of risk.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of open-pit mine reclamation cost estimation models: A regression-based approach

Amirshenava

Osanloo

Esfahanipour

2021

IJE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…The concern for miners is that poor closure estimates underestimate capital investment decisions and may even lead to incomplete reporting of financial obligation (liability).Successfully financing and cost estimating closure, decommissioning, and reclamation programmes requires a strategic and collaborative approach that examines the complexities of the mine site itself, the expectations of the surrounding communities, socio-economic considerations, and regulatory requirements. Successful mine closure and related costs can be improved by using three strategies, avoiding, reducing, and correcting negative impacts (Paricheh & Osanloo 2017).The paper will focus on improving global perspectives and best practices in mine decommissioning, closure, and reclamation financing and cost estimating.Our methodology will incorporate our experiences working on global mine closure programmes for major clients, which has enabled us to amass a significant database of cost and schedule information. Additionally, our methodology will incorporate our findings from a collaborative survey, research, and interviews where we explored what it takes to deliver successful outcomes in mine closure estimating.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Successfully financing and cost estimating closure, decommissioning, and reclamation programmes requires a strategic and collaborative approach that examines the complexities of the mine site itself, the expectations of the surrounding communities, socio-economic considerations, and regulatory requirements. Successful mine closure and related costs can be improved by using three strategies, avoiding, reducing, and correcting negative impacts (Paricheh & Osanloo 2017).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The high cost of poor closure estimates

Dunow¹,

Kalisch²

2022

Mine Closure 2022: 15th Conference on Mine Closure

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Planning for closure and its associated costs needs to commence from the early developmental stages of the mine itself and continue through the final relinquishment of the site. Our experience with mine closure estimating over the past several years indicates that most mine closures overrun their initial cost estimates by between 20 and 100 percent. Challenges to accurately estimating mine closure costs include changes to the mine layout over time, extended time to closure execution, execution methodologies, rapidly changing legislation, and managing the multiple disciplines involved in creating a tailored remedial solution, often in remote locations. The concern for miners is that poor closure estimates underestimate capital investment decisions and may even lead to incomplete reporting of financial obligation (liability).Successfully financing and cost estimating closure, decommissioning, and reclamation programmes requires a strategic and collaborative approach that examines the complexities of the mine site itself, the expectations of the surrounding communities, socio-economic considerations, and regulatory requirements. Successful mine closure and related costs can be improved by using three strategies, avoiding, reducing, and correcting negative impacts (Paricheh & Osanloo 2017).The paper will focus on improving global perspectives and best practices in mine decommissioning, closure, and reclamation financing and cost estimating.Our methodology will incorporate our experiences working on global mine closure programmes for major clients, which has enabled us to amass a significant database of cost and schedule information. Additionally, our methodology will incorporate our findings from a collaborative survey, research, and interviews where we explored what it takes to deliver successful outcomes in mine closure estimating. Key insights include:• How mining companies can improve how they estimate closure costs throughout all phases of the mine lifecycle. • How to manage the interdependencies across mine closure programs at each stage to avoid delays to program execution, dissatisfied stakeholders, and the possibility of claims and disputes.• What drives cost escalation and risk across long-term closure programmes, and how to manage this given the current climate of supply chain disruption and commodity volatility.• How climate change is leading to tighter closure and financial assurance arrangements, and what impact this is having on regulatory closure planning requirements including fiscal provisions and liabilities.We will draw insights from our data and analysis and combine them with experience gained from working in mine closure for over a decade. This extends to mine types, the expectations of surrounding communities, socio-economic considerations, and regulatory requirements. Our paper will support all those looking to achieve greater accuracy in mine closure financing and cost estimation and those looking to inform the process for due diligence across all phases of the lifecycle, from setting up the ...

show abstract

A simulation-based framework for estimating probable open-pit mine closure time and cost

Cited by 16 publications

References 21 publications

A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA

A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA

Development of open-pit mine reclamation cost estimation models: A regression-based approach

The high cost of poor closure estimates

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About