| A great deal of engineering is performed before a mine is brought into production to determine the optimal capacity of the orebody. The capacity of the mine is studied in great detail as it is the best way to maximize the value of the orebody, and through this, the value that is returned to the shareholders. This capacity decision is dependent upon the nature of the orebody itself, and is often dictated by the setting of the orebody.; One aspect of the mine life that is not generally given much attention is the final years of the mine. In the preliminary project analysis, some assumptions are made about continuing tonnage until the end of the project, and the necessary closure and reclamation costs are applied. This thesis looks at applying the same project value analysis to an operating mine whose capacity is constrained by its infrastructure, but whose final years have not been planned in any detail. The research answers the question, what is the best operating strategy for a large orebody as it enters the final stages of its life. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
