125. METHODOLOGICAL PROPOSAL FOR DESIGNING A DYNAMIC SUSTAINABILITY MODEL FOR A MINING REGION: LARGE-SCALE COPPER MINING, ANTOFAGASTA REGION, CHILE (2001-2020).
Invited abstract in session TA-39: Sustainability in Logistics, stream Sustainable & Resilient Systems and Infrastructures.
Tuesday, 8:30-10:00Room: Newlyn LG.01
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Ronald Mac-Ginty
|
| ING. INDUSTRIAL, UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO | |
| 2. | ASTRID ODDERSHEDE
|
| INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF SANTIAGO OF CHILE | |
| 3. | LUIS QUEZADA
|
| Department of Industrial Engineering, UNIVERSITY OF SANTIAGO OF CHILE | |
| 4. | Pedro Palominos
|
| University of Santiago of Chile |
Abstract
This research proposes a methodology for designing a dynamic sustainability model in a copper mining area in Chile. The global push for sustainable development and climate change action has led to regulatory changes impacting the mining industry. The hypothesis of this research posits that variables associated with regional sustainability increasingly limit the growth of the copper mining industry. Using mixed research methodology, qualitative and quantitative, data from 2001 to 2020, are analyzed. The results indicate that stable mining production over two decades has relied on increased mineral processing to compensate for declining ore grades. But, this increase in processing also raises sustainability variables, as solid waste generation, water consumption, and energy demand. Strict environmental regulations obstruct the approval of impact studies, confirming the hypothesis and highlighting challenges for large-scale copper mining in Chile. The main contribution of this study is the introduction of dynamic modeling in mining industry, allowing for the quantitative evaluation of environmental impacts and the evolution of industry over time. The modeling also revealed natural limits to the growth of mining production and allowed for an estimation of the resource's lifespan under current conditions. Finally, it is recommended to conduct future studies on circular economy in the copper industry and to apply this methodology in other mining regions.
Keywords
- Sustainable Development
- Natural Resources
- Dynamical Systems
Status: accepted
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