Integrating Commingling Into The Strategic Waste Rock Planning At Antamina Mine Christa Quiroz1, David Machin1, Olimpia Cabrera1, Fernando Angeles1 1 Antamina Mine, Lima, Peru (*Presenting author: cquirozc@antamina.com) Abstract Antamina is a large open-pit polymetallic mine in Peru, operating with a processing capacity of 145 ktpd. In operation since 2001, the current mine life extends to 2036. Mining is conducted at a rate of 290 Mtpa using conventional truck-and-shovel equipment. This technical paper presents a comprehensive assessment of commingling as a transformative technology in mine planning, positioning waste rock and tailings management as a key factor in the decision-making process. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of this technology within the mine planning process, highlighting waste rock and tailings management as one of the main drivers in strategic decision-making. The methodology applied is a Comparative Case Analysis, which includes a review of the design and sequencing process for mining infrastructure such as waste rock storage facilities, along with a discussion of the key parameters considered. The results show that the implementation of this technology delivers significant economic benefits, including an approximate 30% reduction in capital costs for waste rock storage facilities, improved land-use efficiency, and optimized infrastructure development. Furthermore, the approach enhances alignment with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). Keywords commingling, mine planning, waste rock management, tailings management, GISTM compliance. INTRODUCTION The mining industry faces growing challenges related to the sustainable management of waste rock and tailings, especially after catastrophic events such as those that occurred in Brumadinho and Samarco (Green Policy Platform, 2024; ICMM, 2020). In this context, the Antamina mine, operating since 2001 as one of the largest polymetallic operations in the world, has developed a pioneering approach that integrates commingling as a central element of its strategic planning (Wheaton Precious Metals, 2015). Commingling, defined as the homogeneous mixing of dewatered tailings with waste rock to form a geotechnically stable material, represents a natural evolution of traditional co-disposal practices (Burden & Wilson, 2023). However, what distinguishes the Antamina case is the integration of this technology from the initial phases of mine planning, making waste rock management the main driver of operational and strategic decisions. 100
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