Quantifying eco-efficiency within life cycle management using a process model of strip coal mining

Life cycle management can assist the mining industry in meeting its stated sustainability commitments. This paper demonstrates how sustainability metrics formulated from a life cycle perspective can be quantified at the operational level using a process model of open cut coal strip mining. An understanding of the material and energy flows of a working pit enables the identification of key areas to target for improvement. The effect of operational changes can also be modelled to determine changes in overall mine sustainability metrics, whether they are more local in nature, such as respirable particulates, or of global concern, such as greenhouse gas emissions. This can facilitate the adoption of more eco-efficient methods of operation, particularly where the focus is on maximising the output of the mine's ultimate utility; namely energy. An example is presented of a more eco-efficient method of blasting which reduces in-pit coal losses.