Presentaciones Técnicas (en inglés)
Evaluation of the Variability in the Direct Construction Costs of a Channel for Closure Conditions under Climate Change Scenarios
Abstract: The focus of this study is to assess how the direct construction costs of a hypothetical contour channel designed for the closure of a mine site could vary when exposed to different climate change scenarios.
The climatic characterization of the area is based on a specific climate change study developed using CMIP6 global circulation models under four SSP scenarios. Based on the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) obtained in that study, flood discharges are estimated using indirect hydrological methods. The channel is designed using classical open-channel hydraulics, assuming fixed geometric conditions (length, side slopes, gradient, and material). Costs are calculated using the unit prices from the La Coipa Mine Closure Plan approved by the local authority.
The results show that the increasing or decreasing trends observed in the PMP between the different scenarios and the historical period are preserved in the flood discharge, the channel dimensions, and the costs. However, the magnitudes of these variations are not equivalent in absolute terms: the percentage differences are progressively attenuated along the PMP–discharge–geometry–cost chain. In the case study, the differences between each climate change scenario and the historical period are small, and the percentage variability of direct costs falls within a narrow range, between –2% and +6%.
It is concluded that hydrological variations are not translated proportionally into costs, and that the most pessimistic scenario in terms of increased radiative forcing does not necessarily lead to a larger channel. These results reinforce the importance of having local climate change studies to support the design of safe, future-appropriate, and cost-efficient hydraulic closure works.
Autores: SRK Chile: Danko Munita, Lilian Valdebenito. Kinross Chile: Felipe Montenegro, Marco Alfaro
Ponente: Danko Munita
Fecha: martes 2 de junio, 16:50, BALLROOM A, Session 11: Costs and Economic Assessment II
Risk-Based Prioritization of Mine Closure Studies: A Quantitative Approach
Mine closure plans developed at a conceptual stage rely on assumptions due to limited site-specific data, introducing uncertainty in the design and effectiveness of proposed closure measures. This paper presents a quantitative prioritization framework applied to an internal risk assessment exercise on a conceptual mine closure plan, using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology established in the Integrated Mine Closure Good Practice Guide (ICMM, 2025).
For each risk, uncertainties and information gaps were identified, and targeted technical studies were assigned to address them. The framework ranks 11 proposed technical studies based on three indicators derived from the risk register: risk coverage, total risk reduction, and coverage of high-level risks. All indicators were normalized and combined as a weighted score, enabling an objective comparison across the study portfolio.
Results identify hydrogeological characterization and water quality monitoring as the top-priority study, followed by geochemical characterization of mine waste, predictive hydrogeological and geochemical modeling, water balance and hydrological design, and geotechnical stability analysis as the top five.
A sensitivity analysis across 66 weighting scenarios confirms the robustness of these rankings. The methodology offers a practical, data-driven tool for guiding the staged implementation of technical studies over the life, supporting better-informed and risk-validated closure planning decisions.
Autores: SRK Argentina: Andreina Brugaletta, Carmelo Galindo, Daniela Levis
Ponente: Andreina Brugaletta
Fecha: jueves 4 de junio, 09:00, BALLROOM A, Session 19: Risk Assessment III
