Optimal Location of a Copper Smelter in Saudi Arabia for Polymetallic Deposits Using a Computerized Numerical Approach

Abstract

The objective of this research work is to locate an optimal site for a copper smelter in Saudi Arabia to utilize the polymetallic ore deposits in the Arabian Shield. The research is concerned with investigating the potential ore deposits including their reserve sizes and ore grades. The study includes determining the deposits' locations with reference to industrial facilities, business centers, and shipping yards along with its location with reference to national highway network. The research includes a survey of seven applicable smelter sites that include two districts of the metalliferous ore deposits, four seaports, and the central region of the Kingdom. The survey includes determining the involved potential local ore deposits, possible imports of copper ore concentrates, and available industrial facilities. A computer program was constructed using Lotus spreadsheet to manipulate the relevant data to rank the candidate smelter sites. A macro function programming allows the reflection of any relevant information to update the ranking result. The analytical technique has ranked the candidate smelter sites. The seaport of Yanbu was ranked first to host the smelter plant. The district of Jabal Sayid in the Northern belt of mineral prospects ranked second amongst all candidate smelter sites.