Sequencing the waste: when rehandling can be a feasible option to open pit mines

Mining waste management is progressively gathering attention as current waste disposal practices may cause substantial environmental impact. This study aims to evaluate a waste sequencing method, called Multi Stage Dumping Sequencing (MSDS), using a commercial sequencing software in a hypothetical copper deposit. This method uses temporary waste dumps (TWD) in the earlier stages of a mining project to reduce operational costs during this period, followed by a planned TWD rehandling schedule to a final destination. In this study, the method demonstrated the potential to reduce up to 39% of equipment acquisition investments in the first years of the operation.