Integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) variables into the assessment of a mining project is essential to ensure the short and long term acceptance by the various stakeholders involved and the lack of doing so can put the sustainability of a project at risk. Thus, a holistic approach has been proposed which combines profitability and sustainability analysis with social and environmental considerations for any decisions made on processing operation selection or mine expansion. The potential economic implications of these factors would be used for determining the operational strategy. This study is based on an actual quarry case study and statistical data taken from Spain. Quantitative variables related to ESG aspects have been integrated into a block model, and optimisations were performed based on different plant types and waste disposal strategies. Results demonstrate a strong interdependence between profitability and sustainability. It is observed that strategies related to operating costs impact the environmental and social impacts. A green index is also incorporated to evaluate and compare the different scenarios, determining that the most relevant strategies in adding value to mining projects include investment in new technologies, environmental solutions, and economic and social benefits.

Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura

Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::8 - Treball Decent i Creixement Econòmic

Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::12 - Producció i Consum Responsables

Peer Reviewed