Integrating sustainability principles into mineral processing plant design

摘要: Even though most major operating companies in the minerals industry have Board-level endorsed sustainability principles and objectives, design engineers typically no mechanism that allows them to implement those objectives their work. In addition, existing project management systems do not readily deliver innovative solutions needed address key issues, such as related significantly reduced carbon emissions, minimal environmental impacts, maintaining societal 'licence operate'. SUSOP® (SUStainable OPerations) is an approach for integration of sustainable development into mineral processes, which has been developed through Co-operative Research Centre Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP). Somewhat analogous well entrenched HAZOP (Hazard Operability) studies, a holistic, systematic rigorous identifying assessing opportunities risks at each stage - from corporate planning, operation, decommissioning rehabilitation without compromising financial rigour. was developed, tested enhanced its application real case studies industry. This path provided significant insights process evaluating improving operation's contribution long-term business case. paper will discuss need methodical integrating processing plant design, present elements SUSOP®, outline studies. reasons why growing importance future be raised.