The Development of Technogenic Deposits as a Factor of Overcoming Resource Limitations and Ensuring Sustainability (Case of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE in Mongolia)

Abstract

This article justifies the need to involve technogenic deposits (off-balance ore and wastes) into the economic circulation of mining enterprises when there is a depletion of natural resources. It could be considered as one of the tools of the circular economy. The authors analyze global trends in the development of copper deposits, global demand for copper, and design recommendations for possible alternative options for the copper production. The authors use the case of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE based in Mongolia to develop the approach for economic, social, and environmental problem-solving. The millions of mining dumps are proposed to develop as technogenic resources for recycled materials, prolonging profitable activities of the mine. The hierarchy analysis method is used to obtain the optimum order of mining dump development to obtain the desired economic, social, and environmental effect.