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Evaluating Mine Design Alternatives for Social Risks Using Discrete Choice Analysis

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Listed:
  • Kwame Awuah-Offei

    (Thomas J. O’Keefe Institute for Sustainable Supply of Strategic Minerals, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA)

  • Sisi Que

    (Key Laboratory of Hydraulic and Waterway Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China)

  • Atta Ur Rehman

    (Thomas J. O’Keefe Institute for Sustainable Supply of Strategic Minerals, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA)

Abstract

As with other engineering design tasks, mine design involves setting design objectives and constraints (the feasible solution space) and finding the optimal design alternative. Mine engineers often struggle to incorporate the preferences of local community members into their evaluation of mine design alternatives because the mining literature lacks tools to quantify such risks during mine planning. This paper presents an approach to evaluate community acceptance (i.e., community preferences for the alternatives) using discrete choice models and decision-based design during mine planning. Using discrete choice models and a rigorous framework, engineers can estimate the cost of social risks as a function of the probability that individuals in the host community will prefer a particular design alternative. They can then estimate the overall utility of a particular design alternative to the project proponents. This paper illustrates the proposed approach with a strategic mine planning exercise for a gold mine. The framework can be a useful tool for designing mines for sustainability, if combined with effective community engagement and management’s commitment to creating shared value.

Suggested Citation

  • Kwame Awuah-Offei & Sisi Que & Atta Ur Rehman, 2021. "Evaluating Mine Design Alternatives for Social Risks Using Discrete Choice Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:8700-:d:608286
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    References listed on IDEAS

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