Mine development is the process of preparing areas for plant construction and the initial development of new mining pits. These activities occur in advance of the ability for a new area or expansion to produce ore, and includes ongoing civil construction projects(“Mine Development,” n.d.).
These operations include tunneling, sinking, crosscutting, drifting and raising(Mindat.Org, n.d.).
It builds the core facilities and systems enabling the mine to begin generating economic value from resource extraction. It sets the stage for the transition to commercial operations.
Engaging stakeholders during construction builds trust, identifies potential issues early and upholds commitments made. It allows the company to manage expectations, reduce opposition, improve impact mitigation and maintain regulatory compliance. Most importantly, it earns the social license and reputation needed for successful long-term operations. Stakeholder inclusion demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity. This proactive community relationship based on mutual understanding and input lays a critical foundation for responsible mining(Jessica, 2024).
What’s a foundational or preparatory step in your industry that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for success? Let’s discuss!
References:
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Jessica. (2024, January 29). The 5 Stages of the Mining Lifecycle. Mining Software – Resource Governance & Technical Assurance. https://k2fly.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-the-mining-life-cycle/
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Mindat.org. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.mindat.org/glossary/mine_development
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Mine Development. (n.d.). KMC Mining. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.kmcmining.com/services/mine-development/
