1008 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
different value-additions (Figure 7). In the example, the
operation may have decided to retain its original goal of
minimizing emissions and costs if higher carbon taxes were
expected to be imposed on the electricity produced from
the diesel generator. However, due to the increase in NPV
it was incentivised to take the pathway that maximized
throughput.
PREPARING FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
Whether future ESG requirements are perceived as a pro-
ponent to climate protection or a hinderance on growth,
there is little denying their inevitable impact on the min-
eral processing industry. Reporting requirements and ESG
related costs will take time to reach global standardization
which provides a critical timeframe for plants to adjust
Figure 6. Flow diagram describing the activities and decisions performed in the optimization of a simple leaching circuit
Source: Chandramohan et al., 2023
Figure 7. Images depict the optimization matrix and the various pathways that can be taken to achieve value-added goals.
Option A focuses on de-constraining and asset optimization to increase the value per product. Option B targets lowering
emissions to minimize the GHGe footprint
different value-additions (Figure 7). In the example, the
operation may have decided to retain its original goal of
minimizing emissions and costs if higher carbon taxes were
expected to be imposed on the electricity produced from
the diesel generator. However, due to the increase in NPV
it was incentivised to take the pathway that maximized
throughput.
PREPARING FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
Whether future ESG requirements are perceived as a pro-
ponent to climate protection or a hinderance on growth,
there is little denying their inevitable impact on the min-
eral processing industry. Reporting requirements and ESG
related costs will take time to reach global standardization
which provides a critical timeframe for plants to adjust
Figure 6. Flow diagram describing the activities and decisions performed in the optimization of a simple leaching circuit
Source: Chandramohan et al., 2023
Figure 7. Images depict the optimization matrix and the various pathways that can be taken to achieve value-added goals.
Option A focuses on de-constraining and asset optimization to increase the value per product. Option B targets lowering
emissions to minimize the GHGe footprint