160 results on '"Mining economics"'
Search Results
2. Game analysis on PPP model operation of abandoned mines ecological restoration under the innovation of central government's reward and punishment system in China.
- Author
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Feng D, Wang L, and Duan X
- Subjects
- China, Mining economics, Reward, Game Theory, Humans, Environmental Restoration and Remediation economics, Environmental Restoration and Remediation methods, Government, Conservation of Natural Resources economics, Conservation of Natural Resources methods, Social Capital, Punishment
- Abstract
There is a huge funding gap in the abandoned mines ecological restoration in China. It is of great research value to explore how PPP model can better introduce social capital into the low-profit ecological restoration of abandoned mines. Based on the innovation perspective of the central government's reward and punishment system, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model of "local government-social capital", analyzes the interaction and behavior mechanism of core stakeholders in the operation process of abandoned mines ecological restoration PPP mode, and discusses the influence of evolutionary equilibrium strategy and parameters change on evolutionary strategy under different scenarios by Matlab simulation. The research shows that the abandoned mines ecological restoration needs the support of the central government. When the local government lightly punishes the low-quality service of social capital, the central government needs to pay higher costs to promote all parties to actively participate in the operation and supervision of the PPP project. The revenue and cost of government supervision, the operating subsidy for social capital and the cost saved by social capital in providing bad service are the key factors affecting the evolution of the game between government and social capital. Punishment can effectively spur social capital to keep the contract and operate in the project, but the punishment effect will be ineffective without government supervision. Finally, some suggestions are put forward, such as establishing a long-term supervision mechanism and a reasonable income mechanism for PPP projects, increasing penalties for violations, attracting third parties to reduce supervision costs and strengthening communication between the two parties, so as to make the project take into account the economic performance of social capital and the social welfare of government departments, and achieve dual Pareto improvement., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Feng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Country-Specific External Costs of Abiotic Resource Use Based on User Cost Model in Life Cycle Impact Assessment.
- Author
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Yokoi R, Motoshita M, Matsuda T, and Itsubo N
- Subjects
- Mining economics
- Abstract
Abiotic resources are indispensable in society, but there are concerns regarding their depletion, scarcity, and increasing prices, resulting in potential economic damage in the future. To address these concerns, it is effective to consider the external costs of resource use. Although resource availability is different among mining sites, and local conditions are relevant in assessing resource scarcity, previous studies have assessed external costs and potential impacts of abiotic resource use globally. This study provides country-specific characterization factors (CFs) of abiotic resource use in life cycle impact assessment based on the user cost model, which represents the external costs of abiotic resource use to reflect country-specific resource scarcity. We demonstrate considerable variations in the CFs depending on the mining country, suggesting that the choice of mining country can affect external costs. The global external cost of abiotic resource use in 2020 was estimated at 1.9 trillion $, with a major contribution from the extraction of fossil fuels in the United States. Historical trends of the CFs and relevant parameters showed temporal fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of regularly updating the data underlying the calculation of the CFs. Country-level assessments of the external costs of resource use can contribute to discussions on the responsibilities of consuming countries by incorporating material footprint studies.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Mining Injuries 2012-2019: Using Workers' Compensation Claims Data From 35 States to Identify Rates and Costs Associated by Nature of Injury, Event/Exposure, and Body Part Affected.
- Author
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Heberger JR and Wurzelbacher SJ
- Subjects
- Humans, United States, Male, Adult, Female, Middle Aged, Accidents, Occupational economics, Accidents, Occupational statistics & numerical data, Insurance Claim Review, Workers' Compensation statistics & numerical data, Workers' Compensation economics, Occupational Injuries economics, Occupational Injuries epidemiology, Mining economics
- Abstract
Objective: This study summarized the frequency and cost of mining-related injuries., Methods: Mining-related workers' compensation (WC) claims data from 35 states were summarized to report counts, claim rates, and costs for 2012-2019. These data were compared with Mine Safety and Health Administration injury and employment data for the same period., Results: Despite system differences, both WC and Mine Safety and Health Administration counts and rates declined over time and injury patterns were similar. Total WC costs were approximately $2.325B. Medical-only claims represented 59.4% of the claims by count, but only 3.3% of costs. Lost-time nonfatal claims represented 40.2% of the claims by count, but 90.2% of costs. Claims frequency and costs varied greatly by injury event/exposure, part of body, and nature., Conclusions: Injury frequency has declined but costs remain high. The most costly and disabling cases were identified., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 Written work prepared by employees of the Federal Government as part of their official duties is, under the U.S. Copyright Act, a “work of the United States Government” for which copyright protection under Title 17 of the United States Code is not available. As such, copyright does not extend to the contributions of employees of the Federal Government.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Implementation and Cost Analysis of a Novel Silicosis Case-Finding Program For Mine Workers in Rural Rwanda.
- Author
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Tumusime R, Miller MS, Niyigena A, Dusabeyezu S, Uwitonze P, Harerimana E, Umugiraneza G, Dusingizimana W, Hatfield S, Savarimuthu S, Lawrence J, Hagenimana P, Ngenzi JMV, Murara A, Mwiseneza P, Sonenthal P, Cubaka VK, Kateera F, and Kamali I
- Subjects
- Humans, Rwanda, Male, Mining economics, Costs and Cost Analysis, Adult, Miners, Spirometry, Middle Aged, Occupational Diseases economics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Silicosis economics, Rural Population
- Abstract
Little is known about the burden of silicosis in Africa, despite extensive mining and construction operations in the region putting numerous people at risk. The implementation experience and costs of case-finding for occupational lung disease in resource-limited settings are also currently unknown. We describe the first-ever silicosis case-finding project in rural Rwanda using chest X-ray, symptom questionnaires, and spirometry. This was coupled with routine noncommunicable disease case-finding for diabetes and hypertension. We performed an ingredient-based analysis of the costs of all case-finding activities. In 2022, over 25 days, 1,032 mine workers were included in the program, of which 1,014 (98.3%) completed silicosis case-finding activities. The total cost of the program was estimated to be US$38,656, representing a cost of US$37.49 per person. We conclude that conducting large-scale occupational lung disease case-finding is clinically and economically feasible in resource-limited settings and can be effectively integrated with routine noncommunicable disease case-finding., (© Tumusime et al.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Assessment of quarry of reopened mine Čáry based on the mining right of the Slovak Republic and European Union
- Author
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Puzder, Matej, Koščová, Michaela, and Litvinenko, Vladimir, editor
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Corporate social responsibility and economic growth in the mining industry
- Author
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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Minera, Industrial i TIC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Organització d'Empreses, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. RIIS - Grup de Recerca en Recursos i Indústries Intel·ligents i Sostenibles, Yousefian, Mohammad, Bascompta Massanes, Marc, Sanmiquel Pera, Lluís, Vintró Sánchez, Carla, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Minera, Industrial i TIC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Organització d'Empreses, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. RIIS - Grup de Recerca en Recursos i Indústries Intel·ligents i Sostenibles, Yousefian, Mohammad, Bascompta Massanes, Marc, Sanmiquel Pera, Lluís, and Vintró Sánchez, Carla
- Abstract
This research provides insight into the effects of implementing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the mining industry in the European context. In many cases, the strategy is not coincident for shareholders and stakeholders, and as a result, the mining activity could be jeopardized. Achieving socially responsible goals can be a challenging task to conduct. This study aims to examine the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance and the economic growth of European mining companies using fixed effects regression models in addition to content analysis. Data from 45 medium- and large-sized mining companies is analyzed from 2018 to 2021. The models were created to assess the relationship between the companies' economic and social responsibility performances. The findings of this paper confirm that Corporate Social Responsibility positively affects the economic growth of companies, including their profitability and firm value. Furthermore, the affecting CSR indicators are identified with respect to each economic indicator, with training, health & safety, and community development being the most common impacting indicators., Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::15 - Vida d'Ecosistemes Terrestres, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::6 - Aigua Neta i Sanejament, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::8 - Treball Decent i Creixement Econòmic, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::13 - Acció per al Clima, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Postprint (published version)
- Published
- 2023
8. POWER STATION EFFICIENCY AS ONE OF PROFITABILITY KEY FACTORS IN JOINT OPERATION OF MINE AND LIGNITE OR COAL FIRED POWER STATION ELECTRICITY GENERATION PROJECT.
- Author
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Dudek, Michat, Krysa, Zbigniew, Jurdziak, Leszek, and Kawalec, Witold
- Subjects
- *
POWER plants , *ENERGY consumption , *COAL-fired power plants , *LIGNITE , *MINES & mineral resources - Abstract
This research consists of two studies regarding power generation projects. First based upon hard coal and second as joint optimisation of lignite open pit mine and lignite fired power station. Hard coal spreads as fossil fuels combustion competitiveness measure were calculated based on the typical parameters for the Polish hard coal and lignite power stations. Brown spread calculated for lignite power station generally indicates a higher value than the dark spread for hard coal combustion. Spreads value depend on the efficiency of the power plant. Starting from the same combustion efficiency for coal and lignite proportionately better economic result can be reached when changing old hard coal units on new compared to the investment in lignite-fired units. On the basis of coal and electricity market prices and the estimated cost of lignite production from existing and planned to extraction deposits as in second part of this research we estimate profit from increasing the efficiency of two types of power plants also including different levels of the cost of CO2 emission allowances. Nowadays the efficiency of lignite units in power plants in Poland ranges from 32% to 39% and for hard coal from 34% to 42%. In this research power station efficiency influence on profitability of power generation projects is investigated up to 50 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. TRYCHOTOMICZNE PODEJŚCIE D O ZARZĄDZANIA KOSZTAMI W ZAKRESIE EKONOMIKI GÓRNICTWA W INSTYTUCIE EKONOMII I INFORMATYKI NA WYDZIALE ORGANZIACJI I ZARZĄDZANIA POLITECHNIKI ŚLĄSKIEJ.
- Author
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TUREK, Marian, JONEK-KOWALSKA, Izabela, and MICHALAK, Aneta
- Abstract
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
10. KIERUNKI I REZULTATY BADAŃ W ZAKRESIE ZARZĄDZANIA KOSZTAMI PRODUKCJI GÓRNICZEJ W INSTYTUCIE EKONOMII I INFORMATYKI NA WYDZIALE ORGANIZACJI I ZARZĄDZANIA POLITECHNIKI ŚLĄSKIEJ.
- Author
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TUREK, Marian, JONEK-KOWALSKA, Izabela, and MICHALAK, Aneta
- Abstract
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
11. EKONOMIKA W ZARZĄDZANIU BEZPIECZEŃSTWEM I HIGIENĄ PRACY NA PRZYKŁADZIE PRZEDSIĘBIORSTW GÓRNICZYCH.
- Author
-
KOTERAS, Aleksandra and KRZEMIEŃ, Alicja
- Abstract
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
12. KOMPLEMENTARNOŚĆ NAUK EKONOMICZNYCH I TECHNICZNYCH W ZARZĄDZANIU RYZYKIEM W PRZEDSIĘBIORSTWIE GÓRNICZYM.
- Author
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JONEK-KOWALSKA, Izabela
- Abstract
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
13. SPECJALNOŚĆ EKONOMIKA I ORGANIZACJA GÓRNICTWA W DZIAŁALNOŚCI NAUKOWO-BADAWCZEJ INSTYTUTU GOSPODARKI SUROWCAMI MINERALNYMI I ENERGIĄ PAN.
- Author
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GAWLIK, Lidia and MOKRZYCKI, Eugeniusz
- Abstract
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
14. Importance of fuel in the valuation of lignite-based energy projects with risk assessment from geology to energy market.
- Author
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Dudek, Michał, Krysa, Zbigniew, Jurdziak, Leszek, and Kawalec, Witold
- Subjects
- *
FUEL , *LIGNITE industry , *GEOLOGY , *ENERGY development , *MONTE Carlo method - Abstract
This research aims to discuss complex economics of lignite-based energy projects with respect to risk and uncertainty, optimisation, sustainable land use and the importance of lignite as fuel that may be expressed in situ as a deposit of energy. The sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulations performed in this article include estimated land acquisition costs, geostatistics, 3D deposit block modelling, electricity (product) price, power station efficiency, the unit cost of lignite processing at the power station, CO 2 allowance costs, mining unit cost and also geological risk considered as kriging estimation error for lignite reserves. The investigated parameters have a nonlinear influence on the final results and hence the economically viable amount of lignite in the optimum ultimate pit varies. The optimum ultimate pit area varies across scenarios from 11.2 km 2 (or even 9.1 km 2 ) up to 14.3 km 2 . The performed simulations allowed each optimum ultimate pit to be calculated from a unique set of project parameters based on their distributions. For the highest surface cost scenario, there is 95% probability of obtaining undiscounted net value of €1277 million and also there is only 5% chance to obtain the net value of €5524 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Corporate social responsibility and economic growth in the mining industry
- Author
-
Mohammad Yousefian, Marc Bascompta, Lluís Sanmiquel, Carla Vintró, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Enginyeria Minera, Industrial i TIC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Departament d'Organització d'Empreses, and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. RIIS - Grup de Recerca en Recursos i Indústries Intel·ligents i Sostenibles
- Subjects
Desenvolupament humà i sostenible::Degradació ambiental [Àrees temàtiques de la UPC] ,ESG ,Mining economics ,Geography, Planning and Development ,Enginyeria civil::Enginyeria de mines::Explotació de mines [Àrees temàtiques de la UPC] ,Empreses--Responsabilitat social ,Economic Geology ,Corporate social responsibility ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Development ,Social responsibility of business ,Mineral economics - Abstract
This research provides insight into the effects of implementing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the mining industry in the European context. In many cases, the strategy is not coincident for shareholders and stakeholders, and as a result, the mining activity could be jeopardized. Achieving socially responsible goals can be a challenging task to conduct. This study aims to examine the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance and the economic growth of European mining companies using fixed effects regression models in addition to content analysis. Data from 45 medium- and large-sized mining companies is analyzed from 2018 to 2021. The models were created to assess the relationship between the companies' economic and social responsibility performances. The findings of this paper confirm that Corporate Social Responsibility positively affects the economic growth of companies, including their profitability and firm value. Furthermore, the affecting CSR indicators are identified with respect to each economic indicator, with training, health & safety, and community development being the most common impacting indicators. Peer Reviewed Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::15 - Vida d'Ecosistemes Terrestres Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::6 - Aigua Neta i Sanejament Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::8 - Treball Decent i Creixement Econòmic Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::13 - Acció per al Clima Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura
- Published
- 2023
16. Unlocking additional value by optimising comminution strategies to process Grade Engineering® streams.
- Author
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Carrasco, C., Keeney, L., Napier-Munn, T.J., and Bode, P.
- Subjects
- *
MINERAL industries , *CHEMICAL preconcentration , *METAL products , *PORPHYRY , *SIZE reduction of materials , *MATERIALS science - Abstract
Grade Engineering® comprises a range of techniques aiming to reject low grade uneconomic material (preconcentration) as early as possible within the mining value chain. It has been identified as an effective and feasible operating strategy whereby mining unit metal productivity can be significantly increased. Two Grade Engineering (G.E) levers have been assessed in a copper porphyry deposit: preferential grade by size response, and differential blasting for grade. Those are exploited through a modified blasting fragmentation coupled with screening based process on run-of-mine material to recover upgraded undersize fractions. Application of G.E inevitably alters comminution circuit typical feed particle size distributions, and consequently impact semi-autogenous (SAG) milling performance. A factorial design approach has been employed to assess the extent of this effect. A wide range of different operating scenarios, representing the possible G.E strategies and dynamic processing rock attributes, were simultaneously assessed using the Integrated Extraction Simulator (IES), a new cloud-based process simulator. This enabled the development of a G.E throughput improvement model as function of blasting fragmentation, impact hardness (Axb) and grindability (BMWi), which can be employed to conduct more detailed process modelling as well as resource optimisation. Improvements up to 14% in throughput due to changes in mill feed particle size distributions were observed under the conditions examined. The impact of this effect upon the proportion of material that is amenable to G.E is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Formation of the Strategy of Mineral Deposits Development Under Financial Constraints
- Author
-
Kaplan, A.V.
- Subjects
экономика горного производства ,strategic development ,инвестиции ,экономико-математическое моделирование ,622.06 ,факторы эффективности ,стратегическое развитие ,efficiency factors ,investments ,mining costs ,себестоимость добычи ,mining economics ,УДК 336.647/.648 ,economic and mathematical modeling - Abstract
Каплан Алексей Владимирович, доктор экономических наук, профессор кафедры «Финансовые технологии», Южно-Уральский государственный университет (г. Челябинск), kaplanav@susu.ru Alexey V. Kaplan, Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Department of Financial Technologies, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, kaplanav@susu.ru Важнейшая проблема развития горнодобывающих предприятий стран СНГ – формированию стратегии освоения месторождений минерального сырья в условиях финансовых ограничений. Обоснованы ключевые факторы формирования затрат горнодобывающего предприятия и уровень их влияния на экономические результаты проекта. Разработаны подходы к экономикоматематическому моделированию результатов работы производственного комплекса горнодобывающего предприятия с учетом взаимосвязи и взаимозависимости горно-геологических, горнотехнических, организационных и экономических факторов формирования затрат. Представлены результаты моделирования проектных решений по добыче минерального сырья, обеспечивающие коммерческую эффективность инвестиционных решений. The major problem in the development of mining enterprises in the CIS countries is the formation of a strategy for the development of mineral deposits under financial constraints. The key factors of the cost formation of the mining enterprise and the level of their influence on the economic results of the project are substantiated. The approaches to economic and mathematical modeling of the results of the production complex of mining enterprise are developed taking into account the interconnection and interdependence of mining-and-geological, mining, organizational and economic factors of cost formation. The results of modeling of design decisions relating to the extraction of mineral raw materials ensuring the commercial effectiveness of investment decisions are presented in the article.
- Published
- 2020
18. Brazil: heed price of marine mining for an alternative fertilizer.
- Author
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Berchez F
- Subjects
- Brazil, Fertilizers economics, Marine Biology, Mining economics
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. A comparison between manganese nodules and cobalt crust economics in a scenario of mutual exclusivity.
- Author
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Martino, Simone and Parson, Lindsay M.
- Subjects
MANGANESE ,COBALT ,OCEAN mining ,PRECIOUS metals ,FERROMANGANESE ,METAL prices ,MINES & mineral resources ,COMPARATIVE studies ,ECONOMICS - Abstract
Abstract: The past 20 years have been characterised by limited interest in the economic viability of deep seabed mining with the exception of those mineral ores rich in precious metals such as polymetallic sulphides. This paper goes against the tide. After reviewing the most significant literature, it compares the economic feasibility of mining polymetallic manganese nodules and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in a scenario of mutual exclusivity. It uses a new indicator, the cobalt–nickel price ratio, whose aim is to verify at what metal prices the net present value of the two mining projects equalises. Previous research has shown that the turning margin between manganese nodules and cobalt crusts is a cobalt price of $50/kg. The present paper revises this by showing that the choice between mining crust and nodules depends on fluctuations in the price of nickel. A Monte Carlo simulation proves that cobalt crust mining could be reasonably preferred to manganese nodules at cobalt prices of $40–60/kg if the price of nickel fell below $11/kg. Within this condition, investors would receive the minimum acceptable internal rate of return of 15%, which is at a level of risk closer to the land-based mining. However, when the price of nickel passes the $11/kg threshold, the equilibrium between the two ventures can be reached only at a cobalt price greater than $100/kg, causing cobalt crust to become uncompetitive. Finally, the paper, recognising that prices are not unique drivers, introduces legal, political, technological and environmental concerns to show that the final choice between the two mining ventures cannot be merely driven by economic issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Mine design selection under uncertainty.
- Author
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Abdel Sabour, S. A., Dimitrakopoulos, R. G., and Kumral, M.
- Subjects
- *
MINES & mineral resources , *INDUSTRIAL design , *GOLD mining , *COPPER mining , *CASH flow - Abstract
Frequently, alternative technically feasible mine designs and production scenarios are available for decision makers to consider. The selection of a mine design is then based on estimating net present values of all possible, technically feasible mine plans so as to select the one with the maximum value. Conventional risk and sensitivity analysis are also performed as decision supporting tools. Given the multiple market and geological uncertainties associated with mining investments, as well as the management flexibility to respond to new future information, the sufficiency of conventional economic analysis tools based on the static discounted cash flow analysis may be questionable. This paper proposes a multicriteria ranking system for selection between alternative mine designs under uncertainty. The system is based on integrating multiple market and geological uncertainties as well as the operating flexibility to revise the ultimate pit limits using a Monte Carlo based real options valuation (ROV) model. To compare the methods, the article applies the proposed system, along with other three ranking methods, to rank possible mine designs for a copper and a gold mine. It has been found that, in addition to the higher value of the mine design selected by the proposed system, its average mis-ranking is significantly lower than the other three ranking methods. For the copper mine, a reduction in the average mis-ranking of 37–58% could be achieved when using the proposed ranking system, while for the gold mine case, a higher reduction of 51–64% in the average mis-ranking is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Process to improve expected value of mining operations.
- Author
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Cardin, M.-A., de Neufville, R., and Kazakidis, V.
- Subjects
- *
MINERAL industries , *PRICES , *INDUSTRIAL management , *MINES & mineral resources , *INDUSTRIAL costs - Abstract
This paper presents an improved appraisal process that correctly recognises the increased expected value of mining operations attributable to intelligent management response to changing operating conditions and market prices. It recognises the option value of flexibility in the exploitation of deposits, and thus leads to better selection of properties for finance and development. This evaluation method is based on a computationally efficient procedure for examining the opportunities provided by possible price changes that may occur over the project lifetime. It implicitly looks at all possible future price scenarios using a limited range of typical price profiles, therefore covering the range of possibilities without exploring it exhaustively. It contrasts with conventional analyses that assume that prices do not fluctuate through the lifetime of the project. The procedure was developed in collaboration with experienced mining professionals and actual cases in mining and other extractive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. A flexible mine production model based on stochastic price simulations: application at Raglan mine, Canada.
- Author
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Lemelin, B., Sabour, S. A. Abdel, and Poulin, R.
- Subjects
- *
MINES & mineral resources , *STOCHASTIC processes , *PROBABILITY theory , *DISTRIBUTION (Probability theory) , *PRICES , *PRODUCTION (Economic theory) - Abstract
The conventional economic evaluation technique that is currently used to evaluate the economic viability of mining operations has three important pitfalls. First, the probability distributions of key variables fed into the simulation process are in most part subjective and not based in a solid scientific ground. Second, the simulation method applied to generate metal prices paths results in unrealistic jumps and falls between the consecutive discrete time steps throughout the same simulated path. Third, the conventional technique implements a static production model in which the flexibility to alter the production policy is not applicable. These three pitfalls can impact the accuracy of evaluation results and consequently can lead to suboptimal production decisions. This paper presents an economic evaluation technique for mining projects based on the real options theory. This technique is based on generating future simulated metal price paths using the appropriate stochastic process for each metal. More important, the technique implements a flexible production model in which the production policy can be revised according to the new market information. To illustrate the difference the proposed improvements can make in the evaluations results, both the conventional and the new technique are applied to investigate the economic viability of some marginal mining zones based on data from Xstrata's Raglan mine. It has been found that the differences in the evaluation results between the two techniques range between $CAD082 million and as high as $CAD325 million depending on the size of the subzone, and for the total zone value, the difference is $CAD655 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Deadly Myanmar mine disaster caused by poor planning, say data sleuths.
- Author
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Silver A
- Subjects
- Accident Prevention trends, Disaster Planning trends, Humans, Jewelry economics, Landslides prevention & control, Myanmar, Risk Assessment, Accidents mortality, Disaster Planning standards, Landslides mortality, Mining economics, Mining legislation & jurisprudence
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Indigenous lands: make Brazil stop mining to secure US deal.
- Author
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Shepard GH
- Subjects
- Brazil, Conservation of Natural Resources economics, Gold economics, Mining economics, Social Class, United States, Conservation of Natural Resources legislation & jurisprudence, Gold isolation & purification, Indigenous Peoples, Mining legislation & jurisprudence
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. How environmental regulation affects China's rare earth export?
- Author
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Pan A, Feng S, Hu X, and Li Y
- Subjects
- China, Environmental Pollution economics, Environmental Pollution prevention & control, Mining economics, Models, Theoretical, Commerce trends, Conservation of Natural Resources economics, Industry, Inventions, Metals, Rare Earth economics
- Abstract
China's rare earth export trade has developed so rapidly since 1990s that China has gradually occupied a leading position in the international market. However, this fast development was proceeding at the cost of the rare earth energy consumption and environmental devastation. Now China begins to attach great importance to environmental protection, which attracts many researchers. This study aims to analyze the influence of environmental regulation on China's rare earth export trade. And the original study is amongst the few to examine the relationship between environmental regulation and China's rare earth export with the product-level data. Different from previous studies, this paper selects China's rare earth export data from 1995 to 2015 and introduces product heterogeneity based on the rare earth production process. Moreover, this study uses the entropy weight method to measure the intensity of environmental regulation. The core conclusions are as follows: (1) Environmental regulation significantly promotes rather than restrains China's rare earth export. (2) According to the rare earth production process, this paper divides rare earth products into 3 kinds, that is, rare earth raw materials, rare earth useful components and rare earth end-use applications. Then, it is found that rare earth useful component export in processing and smelting is positively affected by environmental regulation. Rare earth raw materials and end-use applications in China's export are hardly affected. (3) Technological innovation has a mediating effect on the impact mechanism of environmental regulation on China's rare earth export, which means that environmental regulation significantly promotes technological innovation of enterprises, and thereby the rare earth export is increased. The findings are helpful for policymakers to resolve the issue of environmental devastation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Can smart policies solve the sand mining problem?
- Author
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Hübler M and Pothen F
- Subjects
- Singapore, Conservation of Natural Resources, Economic Development, Mining economics, Policy, Sand
- Abstract
While sand has become a scarce essential resource for construction and land reclamation worldwide, its extraction causes severe ecological damage and high social costs. To derive policy solutions to this paramount global challenge with broad applicability, this model-based analysis exemplarily studies sand trade from Southeast Asia to Singapore. Accordingly, a coordinated transboundary sand output tax reduces sand mining to a large extent, while the economic costs are small for the sand importer and slightly positive for the exporters. As a novel policy implementation approach, a "Sand Extraction Allowances Trading Scheme" is proposed, which helps sustainably balance the importer's economic growth with the exporters' economic development., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Risk versus benefit: Should not audiologists assess this in the context of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in the mining industry?
- Author
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Khoza-Shangase K and Moroe NF
- Subjects
- Audiology economics, Humans, Mining economics, Mining legislation & jurisprudence, Noise, Occupational adverse effects, Noise, Occupational legislation & jurisprudence, Occupational Health Services economics, Professional Role, Risk Assessment methods, South Africa, Audiology organization & administration, Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced prevention & control, Occupational Diseases prevention & control, Occupational Health Services organization & administration
- Abstract
Background: Hearing conservation programmes (HCPs) are an important aspect of occupational health efforts to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). In low- and middle income (LAMI) countries, where the incidence of ONIHL is significant, it is important to deliberate on the risk or benefit of HCPs., Objectives: This article is an attempt at highlighting important strategic indicators as well as important variables that the occupational health and audiology community need to consider to plan efficacious HCPs within the South African mining context., Method: The current arguments are presented in the form of a viewpoint publication., Results: Occupational audiology vigilance in the form of engagement with HCPs in the mining industry has been limited within the South African research and clinical communities. When occupational audiology occurs, it is conducted by mid-level workers and paraprofessionals; and it is non-systematic, non-comprehensive and non-strategic. This is compounded by the current, unclear externally enforced accountability by several bodies, including the mining industry regulating body, with silent and/or peripheral regulation by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Department of Health. The lack of involvement of audiologists in the risk or benefit evaluation of HCPs during their development and monitoring process, as well as their limited involvement in the development of policies and regulations concerning ear health and safety within this population are probable reasons for this., Conclusions: Increased functioning of the regulatory body towards making the employers accountable for the elimination of ONIHL, and a more central and prominent role for audiologists in HCPs, are strongly argued for.
- Published
- 2020
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- View/download PDF
28. The scientists restoring a gold-mining disaster zone in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Author
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Tollefson J
- Subjects
- Animals, Forestry trends, Gold economics, Humans, Mercury analysis, Peru, Rainforest, Trees growth & development, Disasters, Environmental Monitoring instrumentation, Environmental Restoration and Remediation trends, Gold isolation & purification, Mining economics, Mining legislation & jurisprudence, Research Personnel
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Determining the Operating Costs of a Medical Surveillance Program for Copper Miners Exposed to High Altitude-Induced Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia in Chile Using a Combination of Microcosting and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing.
- Author
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Reveco R, Velásquez M, Bustos L, Goyenechea M, and Bachelet V
- Subjects
- Altitude Sickness epidemiology, Altitude Sickness etiology, Altitude Sickness prevention & control, Chile epidemiology, Humans, Occupational Diseases epidemiology, Occupational Diseases etiology, Occupational Medicine methods, Time Factors, Altitude Sickness economics, Copper, Health Care Costs statistics & numerical data, Mining economics, Occupational Diseases economics, Occupational Medicine economics
- Abstract
Background: Copper mining installations in Chile use a large number of workers who do their jobs at high altitudes, exposing them to the conditions of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia. The Chilean Safety Association implements the surveillance program., Objective: This organization, under the sponsorship of the Chilean Superintendency of Social Security, was interested in determining the costs involved in this program to support its decision-making processes and to improve its performance., Methods: Direct operating costs of the Hypoxia Medical Surveillance Program were determined through on-site surveys applied to the organization's local agencies in charge. The microcosting method was used, quantifying personnel costs, consumables, and equipment and overhead costs. Time-driven activity-based costing was partially adapted for the allocation of personnel and equipment costs. Costs concerning activities, groups of activities and items, and average cost per exposed worker were determined., Results: The annual costs of the program were $127 299.58. The highest costs corresponded to the assessment activities, which were $89 192.13, representing 60.06% of the total. The labor factor costs were $77 568.50, which represents 60.93% of the total. The average cost per worker in the program is $21.17., Conclusions: The partial adaptation of the time-driven activity-based costing method in combination with the microcosting method provides a suitable solution to determine the total costs of running a healthcare program of this kind. The information generated by this study will aid in the decision-making and management processes of the Hypoxia Medical Surveillance Program., (Copyright © 2019 ISPOR--The professional society for health economics and outcomes research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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30. Geological risk and investment: the case of a South African Vanadium mine
- Author
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MARAIS, COLETTE and MARAIS, COLETTE
- Abstract
In this dissertation, I evaluate the importance of spatial heterogeneity in geological deposits and the extraction costs of mining, when modelling the investment decisions of open-pit mining firms. To do this, I develop a dynamic discrete-choice model of mining that incorporates spatial constraints on the extraction of geological deposits, increasing costs of mining as pits become deeper and are situated further from the production plant, and the clustering of geological deposits in space. In each period, the firm forms an expectation regarding the value of staying in the current pit based on prices, and previous geological realisations. This expectation is weighed against the sunk cost of moving to a new pit, and the firm’s expectations regarding the value of this pit. Traditionally models of mine operation and investment have either been based on Hotelling (1931), or the theory of real options, and have not considered the effects of spatial heterogeneity. My dissertation is in line with Gray (1914), who emphasises the importance of modelling extraction at the level of the mine, and that geological deposits are extracted in spatial order, and not according to quality. To develop this model, I overcome two previous difficulties in the literature: first, the lack of firm-specific mining data; and, second, incorporating geospatial techniques with economic models. To implement the model empirically, I use unique monthly data from a South African vanadium mine regarding their exploration, mining, and production activities. These data span the period January 2001 to March 2011. The data include 24,577 exploration samples, which I use to develop a three-dimensional map of the geological deposit. I find that using the data I am able to replicate the firm’s decisions to invest in new pits. I illustrate that these investment decisions are sensitive to geological realisations, and the accuracy of the firm’s expectation regarding the true geological distribution. The broader i
- Published
- 2014
31. Testing the environmental impacts of sea-bed mining.
- Author
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Thiel H and Schriever G
- Subjects
- Animals, Ecosystem, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Mining economics, Oceans and Seas
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Time is running out for sand.
- Author
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Bendixen M, Best J, Hackney C, and Iversen LL
- Subjects
- Animals, Commerce economics, Commerce trends, Conservation of Natural Resources legislation & jurisprudence, Conservation of Natural Resources statistics & numerical data, Conservation of Natural Resources trends, Construction Materials economics, Ecosystem, Fossil Fuels supply & distribution, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Glass chemistry, International Cooperation, Mining economics, Recycling trends, Rivers chemistry, Time Factors, Construction Materials supply & distribution, Geologic Sediments analysis, Mining legislation & jurisprudence, Mining statistics & numerical data
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Emergy-based environmental accounting of one mining system.
- Author
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Pan H, Geng Y, Tian X, Wilson J, Chen W, Zhong S, and Song X
- Subjects
- Carbon Dioxide analysis, China, Conservation of Natural Resources methods, Ecosystem, Greenhouse Gases analysis, Metallurgy economics, Mining economics, Energy-Generating Resources, Environment, Lead, Metallurgy methods, Mining methods, Zinc
- Abstract
Metal production from mineral resources is crucial for economic development. However, most mining activities usually target short-term financial benefits, rather than long-term consideration on ecological sustainability. To better understand the impact of metal production, systematic evaluation methods should be applied to complement current economic accounting tools. Under such a circumstance, this study proposes an emergy-based metal production evaluation framework, taking a life cycle perspective from the formation of mineral deposit to the final production of metal. Ecosystem service loss, CO
2 emissions, and emissions' impact are quantified, evaluating the comprehensive performance of a lead and zinc production system in Yunnan Province of China. The results show that minerals contribute significantly to the formation of lead and zinc production; however, emergy received in terms of money substantially undervalues environmental work associated with production. Such a metal production system relies heavily on nonrenewable resources and put enormous pressures on local ecosystems. The beneficiation subsystem generates the highest negative impact per emergy output, followed by the smelting and refining subsystem and the underground mining subsystem. From climate change point of view, producing 1 ton of lead bullion leads to 1.79E+03 kg CO2 eq. Electricity use contributes a dominated share to the total CO2 emission of all subsystems. In addition, lead recycling can greatly reduce the overall CO2 emission, indicating that it is necessary to build up a regional lead collection and recycling system. Finally, several policy suggestions are raised by considering the local realities, aiming to promote sustainable development of this industry.- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Accounting for employee health: The productivity cost of leading health risks.
- Author
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Street TD and Lacey SJ
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Australia, Chronic Disease, Cost-Benefit Analysis statistics & numerical data, Efficiency, Organizational statistics & numerical data, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mining economics, Occupational Health statistics & numerical data, Young Adult, Cost-Benefit Analysis economics, Efficiency, Organizational economics, Health Promotion economics, Health Promotion methods, Occupational Health economics, Workplace economics
- Abstract
Background: "Workplace health promotion and protection" broadly refers to an integrated approach to workplace health and safety initiatives. There are substantial benefits to adopting such an approach, including the potential for: improvements to individual employees' health and well-being; increased productivity; and reduced safety risks and expenses. Yet many employers remain reluctant to shift from traditional safety initiatives and spending. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of investing in an integrated health promotion and protection approach by calculating the productivity costs associated with 11 modifiable health risks and 14 chronic conditions in an Australian mining company., Method: Eight hundred and ninety-seven employees participated in a self-report health survey aimed at investigating employee health behaviours, health conditions and productivity., Results: Overall, modifiable health risks and chronic health conditions were calculated to contribute to an estimated $22.15 million (AUD) and $7.95 million (AUD) in lost productivity per 1000 employees per annum, respectively. Although employee stress was identified as the third highest prevalence health risk across the employee sample (at 42%), it accounted for the highest financial burden., Conclusion: Employee health plays a vital role in the profitability, productivity, and safety outcomes of an organisation. For modifiable health risks and chronic conditions, ailments that affected cognition resulted in the highest financial burden (ie, stress and migraine headaches). SO WHAT?: These findings make a strong financial and business case for the integration of preventative health and safety initiatives, with particular emphasis on modifiable health risk behaviours., (© 2018 Australian Health Promotion Association.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. On the impact of potential processing technology developments on rare earth mining economics
- Author
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Klossek, P. and Boogaart, K. G.
- Subjects
Mining Economics ,Rare Earths ,Processing Technology - Abstract
It is estimated that China accounts for 94% of the world supply of rare earths (Roskill, 2011). This fact, together with the impact of China’s export policy, poses a substantial risk to the security of the rare earth supply as well as a rare earth price risk. This situation has motivated an increase in the number of rare earth projects under development, i.e., there are currently more than 440 worldwide (Technology Metals Research, 2012). However, economically and environmentally acceptable processing technology to produce tradable products from rare earths (e.g., separated rare earth oxides) is not freely available on the market at the moment. In this respect, a lot of research and development has been initiated on this topic, in academia as well as in industry. Using a proprietary model and scenario-based analysis, we studied the impact that the development of rare earth processing technologies would have on the rare earth market and the economic feasibility of rare earth projects mentioned before. The analysis showed that this impact varies depending on the technology type (e.g., technology can affect project production volume, cost structure or both) and the legal context of the invention (e.g., free or limited by patenting availability of a new technology). The effect of a technology which influences project production volume is not the same as of a technology which changes project cost structure. The impact of a patented processing technology differs from the impact of a processing technology which is freely available on the market. In the case of a new technology which is limited by patenting, its impact depends on the market position (“producing”, “next-coming”, or “not producing” project) of the patent holder. The paper contributes to existing research by studying the dependence of the expected micro- and macroeconomic impact of rare earth processing technology developments on the properties of a new technology (e.g., costs, legal framework etc.). By this means, the paper adds to existing knowledge and attempts to make the rare earths market more transparent and predictable from a perspective outside China.
- Published
- 2013
36. Western Australia's science finds strength in its isolation.
- Author
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Leeming J
- Subjects
- Animals, Astronomy, Biodiversity, Environmental Policy, Iron economics, Iron isolation & purification, Lithium economics, Lithium isolation & purification, Manganese economics, Manganese isolation & purification, Mining economics, Solar Energy, Steel chemistry, Steel economics, Universities organization & administration, Western Australia, Wind, Science organization & administration, Science trends
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. How to build a Moon base.
- Author
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Gibney E
- Subjects
- Animals, Crop Production trends, Germany, Housing economics, Humans, Hydrogen analysis, Mining economics, Oxygen analysis, Robotics trends, Space Flight economics, Tenebrio growth & development, Time Factors, United States, United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Water analysis, Astronauts, Extraterrestrial Environment chemistry, Housing trends, Mining trends, Moon, Space Flight trends
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Live and Let Die? Life Cycle Human Health Impacts from the Use of Tire Studs.
- Author
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Furberg A, Arvidsson R, and Molander S
- Subjects
- Accidents, Occupational economics, Air Pollution economics, Automobiles economics, Cobalt economics, Humans, Mining economics, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Scandinavian and Nordic Countries epidemiology, Accidents, Occupational statistics & numerical data, Air Pollution analysis, Automobiles statistics & numerical data, Mining statistics & numerical data, Seasons
- Abstract
Studded tires are used in a number of countries during winter in order to prevent accidents. The use of tire studs is controversial and debated because of human health impacts from increased road particle emissions. The aims of this study are to assess whether the use of tire studs in a Scandinavian studded passenger car actually avoids or causes health impacts from a broader life cycle perspective, and to assess the distribution of these impacts over the life cycle. Life cycle assessment is applied and the disability-adjusted life years indicator is used to quantify the following five types of health impacts: (1) impacts saved in the use phase, (2) particle emissions in the use phase, (3) production system emissions, (4) occupational accidents in the production system, and (5) conflict casualties from revenues of cobalt mining. The results show that the health benefits in the use phase in general are outweighed by the negative impacts during the life cycle. The largest contribution to these negative human health impacts are from use phase particle emissions (67⁻77%) and occupational accidents during artisanal cobalt mining (8⁻18%). About 23⁻33% of the negative impacts occur outside Scandinavia, where the benefits occur. The results inform the current debate and highlight the need for research on alternatives to tire studs with a positive net health balance.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. How extractive industries affect health: Political economy underpinnings and pathways.
- Author
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Schrecker T, Birn AE, and Aguilera M
- Subjects
- Africa, Environment, Environmental Exposure, Global Health, Health Policy, Humans, Latin America, Occupational Diseases, Poverty, Health Status, Mining economics, Oil and Gas Industry economics, Politics
- Abstract
A systematic and theoretically informed analysis of how extractive industries affect health outcomes and health inequities is overdue. Informed by the work of Saskia Sassen on "logics of extraction," we adopt an expansive definition of extractive industries to include (for example) large-scale foreign acquisitions of agricultural land for export production. To ground our analysis in concrete place-based evidence, we begin with a brief review of four case examples of major extractive activities. We then analyze the political economy of extractivism, focusing on the societal structures, processes, and relationships of power that drive and enable extraction. Next, we examine how this global order shapes and interacts with politics, institutions, and policies at the state/national level contextualizing extractive activity. Having provided necessary context, we posit a set of pathways that link the global political economy and national politics and institutional practices surrounding extraction to health outcomes and their distribution. These pathways involve both direct health effects, such as toxic work and environmental exposures and assassination of activists, and indirect effects, including sustained impoverishment, water insecurity, and stress-related ailments. We conclude with some reflections on the need for future research on the health and health equity implications of the global extractive order., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Sea-bed mining - count the true costs.
- Author
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Losada S and Terras P
- Subjects
- Animals, Conservation of Natural Resources economics, Environmental Policy economics, Mining economics, Recycling economics, Recycling legislation & jurisprudence, Biodiversity, Conservation of Natural Resources legislation & jurisprudence, Environmental Policy legislation & jurisprudence, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Mining legislation & jurisprudence, Oceans and Seas
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Risk Management Interventions to Reduce Injuries and Maximize Economic Benefits in U.S. Mining.
- Author
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Griffin SC, Bui DP, Gowrisankaran G, Lutz EA, He C, Hu C, and Burgess JL
- Subjects
- Coal Mining economics, Humans, Metals, Occupational Health economics, Program Evaluation, Mining economics, Occupational Injuries economics, Occupational Injuries prevention & control, Risk Management economics, Risk Management methods
- Abstract
Objective: Risk management (RM) is a cyclical process of identifying and ranking risks, implementing controls, and evaluating their effectiveness. This study aims to identify effective RM interventions in the U.S. mining industry., Methods: RM interventions were identified in four companies representing metal, aggregate, and coal mining sectors. Injury rates were determined using Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) data and changes in injury rates identified through change point analysis. Program implementation costs and associated changes in injury costs were evaluated for select interventions., Results: Six of 20 RM interventions were associated with a decline in all injuries and one with a reduction in lost-time injuries, all with a positive return on investment., Conclusion: Reductions in injuries and associated costs were observed following implementation of a limited number of specific RM interventions.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Chile's chance to embrace science for the twenty-first century.
- Author
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Bajak A
- Subjects
- Animals, Astronomy economics, Astronomy instrumentation, Chile, Entrepreneurship economics, Fisheries economics, Gross Domestic Product, Mining economics, Research Support as Topic, Salmon, Science instrumentation, Telescopes economics, Science economics, Science trends
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Network effects in environmental justice struggles: An investigation of conflicts between mining companies and civil society organizations from a network perspective.
- Author
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Aydin CI, Ozkaynak B, Rodríguez-Labajos B, and Yenilmez T
- Subjects
- Algorithms, Environment, Humans, Organizations, Regression Analysis, Mining economics, Public Policy, Social Justice, Social Support
- Abstract
This paper examines conflicts that occur between mining companies and civil society organizations (CSOs) around the world and offers an innovative analysis of mining conflicts from a social network perspective. The analysis showed that, as the number of CSOs involved in a conflict increased, its outcome was more likely to be perceived as a success in terms of environmental justice (EJ); if a CSO was connected to other central CSOs, the average perception of EJ success was likely to increase; and as network distance between two conflicts increased (or decreased), they were more likely to lead to different (or similar) EJ outcomes. Such network effects in mining conflicts have policy implications for EJ movements. It would be a strategic move on the part of successful CSOs to become involved in other major conflicts and disseminate information about how they achieved greater EJ success.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. The social costs of uranium mining in the US Colorado Plateau cohort, 1960-2005.
- Author
-
Jones BA
- Subjects
- Cohort Studies, Colorado epidemiology, Humans, Indians, North American statistics & numerical data, Lung Neoplasms economics, Lung Neoplasms ethnology, Lung Neoplasms etiology, Lung Neoplasms mortality, Occupational Diseases economics, Occupational Diseases etiology, Occupational Diseases mortality, Occupational Exposure, Radon adverse effects, Risk Factors, Silicosis economics, Silicosis ethnology, Silicosis etiology, Silicosis mortality, White People statistics & numerical data, Health Care Costs statistics & numerical data, Mining economics, Uranium adverse effects
- Abstract
Objectives: Long-term social costs associated with underground uranium mining are largely unknown. This study estimated health costs of Native American and white (Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin) uranium miners in the US Public Health Service Colorado Plateau cohort study., Methods: Elevated uranium miner person-years of life lost (PYLL) were calculated from the most recent study of the Colorado Plateau cohort over 1960-2005. Nine causes of death categories were included. Costs to society of miner PYLL were monetized using the value of a statistical life-year approach., Results: Costs over 1960-2005 totaled $2 billion USD [95% CI: $1.8, $2.2], or $2.9 million per elevated miner death. This corresponds to $43.1 million [95%: $38.7, $48.7] in annual costs. Lung cancer was the most costly cause of death at $1.4 billion [95%: $1.3, $1.5]. Absolute health costs were largest for white miners, but Native Americans had larger costs per elevated death. Annual excess mortality over 1960-2005 averaged 366.4 per 100,000 miners; 404.6 (white) and 201.5 per 100,000 (Native American)., Conclusions: This research advances our understanding of uranium extraction legacy impacts, particularly among indigenous populations.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Material flow-based economic assessment of landfill mining processes.
- Author
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Kieckhäfer K, Breitenstein A, and Spengler TS
- Subjects
- Germany, Recycling economics, Recycling methods, Mining economics, Mining methods, Waste Disposal Facilities economics
- Abstract
This paper provides an economic assessment of alternative processes for landfill mining compared to landfill aftercare with the goal of assisting landfill operators with the decision to choose between the two alternatives. A material flow-based assessment approach is developed and applied to a landfill in Germany. In addition to landfill aftercare, six alternative landfill mining processes are considered. These range from simple approaches where most of the material is incinerated or landfilled again to sophisticated technology combinations that allow for recovering highly differentiated products such as metals, plastics, glass, recycling sand, and gravel. For the alternatives, the net present value of all relevant cash flows associated with plant installation and operation, supply, recycling, and disposal of material flows, recovery of land and landfill airspace, as well as landfill closure and aftercare is computed with an extensive sensitivity analyses. The economic performance of landfill mining processes is found to be significantly influenced by the prices of thermal treatment (waste incineration as well as refuse-derived fuels incineration plant) and recovered land or airspace. The results indicate that the simple process alternatives have the highest economic potential, which contradicts the aim of recovering most of the resources., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Landfill mining: Developing a comprehensive assessment method.
- Author
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Hermann R, Wolfsberger T, Pomberger R, and Sarc R
- Subjects
- Austria, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Mining economics, Recycling methods, Mining methods, Waste Disposal Facilities
- Abstract
In Austria, the first basic technological and economic examinations of mass-waste landfills with the purpose to recover secondary raw materials have been carried out by the 'LAMIS - Landfill Mining Österreich' pilot project. A main focus of its research, and the subject of this article, is the first conceptual design of a comprehensive assessment method for landfill mining plans, including not only monetary factors (like costs and proceeds) but also non-monetary ones, such as the concerns of adjoining owners or the environmental impact. Detailed reviews of references, the identification of influences and system boundaries to be included in planning landfill mining, several expert workshops and talks with landfill operators have been performed followed by a division of the whole assessment method into preliminary and main assessment. Preliminary assessment is carried out with a questionnaire to rate juridical feasibility, the risk and the expenditure of a landfill mining project. The results of this questionnaire are compiled in a portfolio chart that is used to recommend, or not, further assessment. If a detailed main assessment is recommended, defined economic criteria are rated by net present value calculations, while ecological and socio-economic criteria are examined in a utility analysis and then transferred into a utility-net present value chart. If this chart does not support making a definite statement on the feasibility of the project, the results must be further examined in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Here, the benefit of the particular landfill mining project per capital unit (utility-net present value ratio) is determined to make a final distinct statement on the general benefit of a landfill mining project., (© The Author(s) 2016.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Spatial Dynamics of the Communities and the Role of Major Countries in the International Rare Earths Trade: A Complex Network Analysis.
- Author
-
Wang X, Ge J, Wei W, Li H, Wu C, and Zhu G
- Subjects
- Mining economics, Models, Theoretical, Internationality, Metals, Rare Earth economics, Residence Characteristics, Spatial Analysis
- Abstract
Rare earths (RE) are critical materials in many high-technology products. Due to the uneven distribution and important functions for industrial development, most countries import RE from a handful of suppliers that are rich in RE, such as China. However, because of the rapid growth of RE exploitation and pollution of the mining and production process, some of the main suppliers have gradually tended to reduce the RE production and exports. Especially in the last decade, international RE trade has been changing in the trade community and trade volume. Based on complex network theory, we built an unweighted and weighted network to explore the evolution of the communities and identify the role of the major countries in the RE trade. The results show that an international RE trade network was dispersed and unstable because of the existence of five to nine trade communities in the unweighted network and four to eight trade communities in the weighted network in the past 13 years. Moreover, trade groups formed due to the great influence of geopolitical relations. China was often associated with the South America and African countries in the same trade group. In addition, Japan, China, the United States, and Germany had the largest impacts on international RE trade from 2002 to 2014. Last, some policy suggestions were highlighted according to the results.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Monetizing the social benefits of landfill mining: Evidence from a Contingent Valuation survey in a rural area in Greece.
- Author
-
Damigos D, Menegaki M, and Kaliampakos D
- Subjects
- Cost-Benefit Analysis, Greece, Refuse Disposal economics, Rural Population, Socioeconomic Factors, Surveys and Questionnaires, Waste Management economics, Mining economics, Waste Disposal Facilities economics, Waste Management methods
- Abstract
Despite the emerging global attention towards promoting waste management policies that reduce environmental impacts and conserve natural resources, landfilling still remains the dominant waste management practice in many parts of the world. Owing to this situation, environmental burdens are bequeathed to and large amounts of potentially valuable materials are lost for future generations. As a means to undo these adverse effects a process known as landfill mining (LFM) could be implemented provided that economic feasibility is ensured. So far, only a few studies have focused on the economic feasibility of LFM from a private point of view and even less studies have attempted to economically justify the need for LMF projects from a social point of view. This paper, aiming to add to the limited literature in the field, presents the results of a survey conducted in a rural district in Greece, by means of the Contingent Valuation method (CVM) in order to estimate society's willingness to pay for LFM programs. According to the empirical survey, more than 95% of the respondents recognize the need for LFM programs. Nevertheless, only one-fourth of the respondents are willing to pay through increased taxes for LFM, owing mainly to economic depression and unemployment. Those who accept the increased tax are willing to pay about €50 per household per year, on average, which results in a mean willingness to pay (WTP) for the entire population under investigation of around €12 per household per year. The findings of this research work provide useful insights about the 'dollar-based' benefits of LFM in the context of social cost-benefit analysis of LFM projects. Yet, it is evident that further research is necessary., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Landfill mining: Development of a cost simulation model.
- Author
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Wolfsberger T, Pinkel M, Polansek S, Sarc R, Hermann R, and Pomberger R
- Subjects
- Austria, Computer Simulation, Costs and Cost Analysis, Metals, Plastics, Recycling methods, Solid Waste analysis, Solid Waste economics, Wood, Mining economics, Mining methods, Models, Economic, Waste Disposal Facilities economics
- Abstract
Landfill mining permits recovering secondary raw materials from landfills. Whether this purpose is economically feasible, however, is a matter of various aspects. One is the amount of recoverable secondary raw material (like metals) that can be exploited with a profit. Other influences are the costs for excavation, for processing the waste at the landfill site and for paying charges on the secondary disposal of waste. Depending on the objectives of a landfill mining project (like the recovery of a ferrous and/or a calorific fraction) these expenses and revenues are difficult to assess in advance. This situation complicates any previous assessment of the economic feasibility and is the reason why many landfills that might be suitable for landfill mining are continuingly operated as active landfills, generating aftercare costs and leaving potential hazards to later generations. This article presents a newly developed simulation model for landfill mining projects. It permits identifying the quantities and qualities of output flows that can be recovered by mining and by mobile on-site processing of the waste based on treatment equipment selected by the landfill operator. Thus, charges for disposal and expected revenues from secondary raw materials can be assessed. Furthermore, investment, personnel, operation, servicing and insurance costs are assessed and displayed, based on the selected mobile processing procedure and its throughput, among other things. For clarity, the simulation model is described in this article using the example of a real Austrian sanitary landfill., (© The Author(s) 2016.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. A Social Movements' Perspective on Human Rights Impact of Mining Liberalization in the Philippines.
- Author
-
Aytin A
- Subjects
- Humans, Mining economics, Mining legislation & jurisprudence, Philippines, Residence Characteristics, Socioeconomic Factors, Environment, Human Rights, Mining organization & administration
- Abstract
When it comes to minerals like gold, copper, or nickel, the Philippines ranks among the world's richest countries, but it has continued to perform poorly in terms of human and economic development. In the belief that foreign investments will bring development, the government in 1995 liberalized its mining industry allowing full foreign ownership and control of the mining activities. After almost two decades of mining liberalization, the country has never achieved its goal of development but is now reeling from the adverse impacts of large-scale corporate mining on the environment and lives of mining-affected communities. Moreover, human rights violations against anti-mining activists and environmental advocates have escalated at an alarming rate making the country one of the most dangerous places for land and environmental defenders. But social movements are now taking big steps to empower the people, especially the mining-affected communities, to confront the adverse impacts of corporate mining and to reverse the current path of the mining industry to one that aims to achieve national industrialization where national development is prioritized over transnational corporations' interests., (© The Author(s) 2016.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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