Editing Mining (section)

== Mine development and life cycle ==
{{More citations needed section|date=March 2024}} 
[[File:Cut and fill schematic.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Schematic of a [[Underground mining (hard rock)|cut and fill mining operation in hard rock]]]]
The process of mining from discovery of an ore body through extraction of minerals and finally to returning the land to its natural state consists of several distinct steps. The first is discovery of the ore body, which is carried out through [[prospecting]] or [[Mineral exploration|exploration]] to find and then define the extent, location and value of the ore body. This leads to a mathematical [[mineral resource classification|resource estimation]] to estimate the size and [[ore grade|grade]] of the deposit.<ref>Martins-Ferreira, M. A. C., Campos, J. E. G., & Pires, A. C. B. (2017). "Near-mine exploration via soil geochemistry multivariate analysis at the Almas gold province, Central Brazil: A study case." ''Journal of Geochemical Exploration'', 173, 52–63.</ref>

This estimation is used to conduct a pre-feasibility study to determine the theoretical economics of the ore deposit. This identifies, early on, whether further investment in estimation and engineering studies is warranted and identifies key risks and areas for further work. The next step is to conduct a [[mining feasibility study|feasibility study]] to evaluate the financial viability, the technical and financial risks, and the robustness of the project.<ref>O'Hara, T. Alan and Stanley C. Suboleski, SME: ''Mining Engineering Handbook'', 2nd ed., Vol. 1, 1992, "Costs and Cost Estimation", pp. 405–408, {{ISBN|0-87335-100-2}}</ref>

This is when the mining company makes the decision whether to develop the mine or to walk away from the project. This includes mine planning to evaluate the economically recoverable portion of the deposit, the [[metallurgy]] and ore recoverability, marketability and payability of the ore concentrates, engineering concerns, milling and infrastructure costs, finance and equity requirements, and an analysis of the proposed mine from the initial excavation all the way through to reclamation. The proportion of a deposit that is economically recoverable is dependent on the [[enrichment factor]] of the ore in the area.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

To gain access to the mineral deposit within an area it is often necessary to mine through or remove [[Overburden|waste material]] which is not of immediate interest to the miner. The total movement of ore and waste constitutes the mining process. Often more waste than ore is mined during the life of a mine, depending on the nature and location of the ore body. Waste removal and placement is a major cost to the mining operator, so a detailed characterization of the waste material forms an essential part of the geological exploration program for a mining operation.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

Once the analysis determines a given ore body is worth recovering, development begins to create access to the ore body. The mine buildings and processing plants are built, and any necessary equipment is obtained. The operation of the mine to recover the ore begins and continues as long as the company operating the mine finds it economical to do so. Once all the ore that the mine can produce profitably is recovered, [[Land rehabilitation|reclamation]] can begin, to make the land used by the mine suitable for future use.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reading: Mining {{!}} Geology |url=https://courses.lumenlearning.com/geo/chapter/reading-mining/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=courses.lumenlearning.com}}</ref>

Technical and economic challenges notwithstanding, successful mine development must also address human factors. Working conditions are paramount to success, especially with regard to exposures to dusts, radiation, noise, explosives hazards, and vibration, as well as illumination standards. Mining today increasingly must address environmental and community impacts, including psychological and sociological dimensions. Thus, mining educator [[Frank T. M. White]] (1909–1971), broadened the focus to the "total environment of mining", including reference to community development around mining, and how mining is portrayed to an urban society, which depends on the industry, although seemingly unaware of this dependency. He stated, "[I]n the past, mining engineers have not been called upon to study the psychological, sociological and personal problems of their own industry – aspects that nowadays are assuming tremendous importance. The mining engineer must rapidly expand his knowledge and his influence into these newer fields."<ref>McGill University. Sunset of a Transformational Career. Chapter 16 in: White F. Miner with a Heart of Gold: biography of a mineral science and engineering educator. Friesen Press, Victoria. 2020. ISBN 978-1-5255-7765-9 (Hardcover) 978-1-5255-7766-6 (Paperback) 978-1-5255-7767-3 (eBook)</ref>