Establishing the quantitative and qualitative limits of the applicability of the multi-stage dumping sequence in open pit mining

Abstract

Environmental issues and sustainability are currently being discussed and studied in several areas of mining technology; combining these issues with improved mining operation and management is part of strategic mine planning. Waste management plays an important role in this process, as an alternative way of minimising environmental impacts and achieving more attractive economic scenarios, such as backfilling the pit. This study aimed to evaluate the application of the multi-stage dumping sequence (MSDS) in conjunction with in-pit deposition strategy for a phosphate mine providing general orientations and limits of applicability of the method. The MSDS makes use of temporary waste dumps which gives operational flexibility regarding waste management while reducing the Net Present Cost (NPC) (up to 8% in this study) compared with the traditional and sometimes untouchable rule of no re-handling approach during waste disposal.