Sustainable mineral development and environmental conservation: A framework for decision-making

摘要

Implementing sustainable mining strategies is a sought after goal by the mining industry. As both developed and developing countries strive towards sustainable development, a framework to assist the mining industry to examine the trade-offs of location, size and impact of a mine in light of certain environmental issues is required. Such a framework is proposed based on a valuation of the landscape in a given area that would include both mining operations and, for example, natural areas to be put aside for conservation. Prime mining sites, potential mineral deposits, exploration leases and environmental variables are assessed using advanced heuristic algorithms, which assign values of "irreplaceability" across a region of interest. This framework is implemented using a transparent, GIS-based methodology that generates alternative maps displaying and quantifying various options based on the valuation of irreplaceability. An example from Guyana, South America, demonstrates that the framework allows the mining industry to participate in sustainable practices, while maximizing both mining options and addressing conservation needs. Hence, the proposed framework maximizes economic profitability and long-term sustainability.