LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IN DEEP OPEN-PIT COPPER MINES

While the consumption of copper is increasing worldwide, the depletion of near-surface deposits leads the future mining towards the exploitation of ore from greater depths. Although the transition from open-pit to underground method is an alternative, the last few years' experiences showed that the transition caused a reduction in production and income, an essential issue in low and medium-income countries. Deepening large open-pit mines is feasible due to the increasing price of copper and the growth of technology, leading to diverse environmental impacts. Limited studies surveyed the environmental impacts of deep open-pit copper mines. This study investigates these impacts to give an insight into the life cycle assessment of deep open-pit copper mines. Findings show that deepening the mine is accompanied by higher ground stress, rock strength, hydrology problems, temperature, stripping ratio, and lower grade. On the other hand, there is a higher production rate per employee, higher efficiency, higher recovery, and higher automation and mechanization possibility. Finally, deep open-pit mining will be expected shortly, and it is inevitable to increase knowledge about its environmental impacts in the path of green mining.