Sustainable Resource Development - A Theoretical Framework for Integrating Environmental Impact Assessment into Life-of-Mine Planning Optimization

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According to Canada's Economic Action Plan the energy and mining sector provides approximately $25 billion a year in revenue to governments - money that supports critical social programs such as health care, education and public pensions. Over the next decade, more than 600 major resource projects, worth over $650 billion, are planned to move ahead. Canada has a global responsibility to develop and utilize its mineral resources sustainably and optimally. The proposed research is aligned with the Green Mining Initiative, under the collaborative leadership of Natural Resources Canada, in order to develop green technologies and knowledge for sustainable natural resources development. The proposed research program builds on our past findings to develop an integrated mine systems planning, whereby a mineral is extracted and prepared at a desired market specification, with the minimum adverse effect on the environment; maximum economic return; and within acceptable social, legal and regulatory constraints. This research is focused on applications of operations research in the sustainable development of natural resources. This research directly contributes to the creation of new knowledge, and innovative technologies for the integration of environmental impact factors into life-of-mine planning optimization required for resource development to leave behind only rehabilitated landscapes and healthy ecosystems. It is anticipated that the outcome of this research will contribute to responsible resource development by transferring knowledge to practitioners and end-users through prototype open-source software applications in the resources industry. This research will generate new technologies that are applicable to other areas and will also train highly qualified mining professionals. The research will also provide a means to enhance resource economic performance and product supply, mitigate major land- and water-related environmental impacts, make efficient progressive reclamation possible, minimize the lead-time between mining and start of reclamation, replace the disturbed materials in its final location with minimum number of moves possible, and minimize land disturbance during mine-life.