Abstract:

In the realm of mining, the quest for optimal extraction of precious mineral resources has always been the focal point of open-pit boundary selection. Tả Phời copper mine, a quintessential example, garners particular attention due to its distinctive copper reserves distribution. This study introduces a novel approach to open-pit boundary selection, transcending conventional practices by adopting a circular economic perspective. By encompassing the entire mining lifecycle, from extraction to refinement, the study aims to establish an economically justified open-pit boundary for Tả Phời copper mine. The research entails the development of various pit bottom scenarios, where three scenarios were meticulously studied for selection purposes. Furthermore, a fourth scenario was developed to estimate potential boundary expansion. The key components of the study are the volumetric evaluation of ore deposits, the creation and in-depth analysis of pit operation diagrams (PODs) pertinent to the chosen scenarios, and the calculation of the stripping ratio using two different methodologies: the conventional ore-grade-based method and the end-product-oriented method, both from a circular economic perspective. The study's findings affirm the imperative of adopting a circular economic perspective in delineating open-pit boundaries. By employing this methodology, the optimal pit bottom for Tả Phời Copper Mine is established at +80 m. This novel insight distinctly contrasts with the prior boundary determination of +110 m by the 2013 Institute of Mining Science and Technology - Vinacomin (IMSAT) project. This redefined boundary not only amplifies raw copper ore production by almost 500,000 tons, contributing substantially to the mining enterprise's revenue in billions of VND but also reveals the latent potential by almost 1.6 million tons of 333-grade ore, thus fostering future growth prospects. This research not only underscores the significance of a circular economic perspective in open-pit boundary selection but also accentuates its broader significance in sustainable resource management and economic growth.