Mine of the year 2020: technology and human resources

摘要

The mine of the year 2020 will need to be based on a new way of mining. It will employ technologyin a paradigm that assumes responsibility for sustainable development: taking account not onlyeconomic but also ecological and social issues. This will require a holistic approach to mine designand planning, considering all controlling factors and impacts (technical, economic, environmental andsocial). A national collaborative strategy is required to address the several options that exist for thedevelopment and application of 2020 mining technology. Key issues in implementing 2020 miningtechnology will also relate to human resources, in terms of employment skills and education. A needexists to proactively prepare for 2020 through development of a comprehensive education andtraining strategy.