PROJECT-BASED APPROACH TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LOW-WASTE TECHNOLOGY AT THE MINING COMPANIES

References: 17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2017, www.sgemviennagreen.org, SGEM2017 Vienna GREEN Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7408-28-7 / ISSN 1314-2704, 27 - 29 November, 2017, Vol. 17, Issue 43, 163-170 pp; DOI: 10.5593/sgem2017H/43/S18.021

ABSTRACT

Research Objective: To develop the rationale behind the implementation of low-waste technology in the light of development goals of mining company. The goals are determining the anticipated project results that are usually divided into economic, social and environmental results. Project methodology is different under the context of low-waste technology projects.
Methodological Framework is based on the interdisciplinary methods, modern concepts of waste management and recycling under the context of mining operations, principles of strategic analysis of mining company as well as investment analysis. Based on mapped out methodological framework a new approach is being developed that enables the integration of low-waste technology projects within company’s strategic projects.
Empirical research is based on the assessment of implementation performance of the project focused on mining waste recycling under the context of diversification strategy of mining and processing of copper-molybdenum ore (Erdenet Mining Corporation, Mongolia).
Results: The typology of projects has been developed that enables implementation of hierarchical principle within the mining waste management under the context of low-waste technology adoption. The research has revealed several effects of the implementation of low-waste investment project such enlargement of raw material base, extension of life-cycle of mineral deposit, diversification of production, enhancement of the competitive performance, increased amount of jobs created, decrease of the environmental impact and other cross-sectoral effects. The investment assessment of mining waste recycling project has been performed.
Discussion: The revealed additional effects enhance the quality of feasibility analysis and assessment of investment projects aimed at mining waste recycling. Organizational results such as gaining new experience, enhancement of the professional competencies of employees, development of new methodological techniques, new technologies, documentation and other organizational assets can be considered as newly revealed effects. The evaluation of such effects might be performed based on the differentiation of terms “project’s performance” and “project’s economic assessment”.

Keywords: low-waste technology, project approach, mining company, assessment of low-waste projects.