An analysis of historic production trends in Australian base metal mining

摘要: Abstract The base metal mining sector, including copper, lead–zinc–silver and nickel, has been a prominent critical feature of the Australian minerals industry. various mines fields have producers world significance, Broken Hill, Mt Isa, Lyell, Olympic Dam, Cobar Kambalda. long-term production trends in sector governing these historic remain relatively undocumented. This includes ore grades, technique (open cut versus underground), solid wastes produced (tailings waste rock), technology (e.g., milling) known economic resources. paper presents results for metals — arguably first such systematic compilation undertaken. A historical overview is discussed each major commodity to outline principal developments changes that commodity, followed by presentation milling trends. Overall, key are declining grades increasing milled, increased open associated rock (though this latter aspect remains significantly under-reported). extent resources steadily all commodities analysed, principally due inclusion lower grade ores and/or difficult treat (such as nickel laterites) or new deposit discoveries. Based on present mine plans proposals, future will increasingly shift towards larger maintain levels. There sufficient about three decades more, providing basis sustain existing industry but beyond timeframe predict. These point need accurately report complete data inputs into quantifying mineral resource well environmental aspects “sustainable mining”.