● Large-scale operations and mechanization: Commingling is primarily viable in large-volume mechanized operations, where it is possible to achieve a homogeneous and controlled mixture of materials. However, the magnitude of waste rock and tailings tonnages at Antamina implies a new challenge, never seen before. ● Flexible planning and pilot tests: It is essential to include areas for pilot tests in short and medium-term plans, allowing adjustment of mixing parameters according to material variability. ● Regulatory communication: Technology acceptance requires identifying precedents and working closely with authorities to develop appropriate regulatory frameworks. ● Organizational change management: The transition to commingling involves challenges in personnel training and adaptation of operational processes, especially in mature operations. CONCLUSIONS ● The comparative discussion and case analysis of commingling implementation at Antamina have enabled the identification and selection of strategic alternatives that maximize the economic, environmental, and social value of the project. ● The use of decision trees and scenario evaluation has facilitated informed decision-making, taking into account technical and economic feasibility as well as regulatory and environmental constraints. ● The integration of commingling into strategic mine planning has proven to be a key tool for optimizing waste rock and tailings management, achieving a significant reduction in capital costs (up to 30%), greater efficiency in land use, and an extension of tailings storage facility (TSF) life. This approach has also aligned operations with international sustainability standards (GISTM) and strengthened risk management, contributing to operational continuity and long-term reduction of environmental impacts. ● The Antamina experience demonstrates that structured case discussions and the application of comparative methodologies are fundamental for strategic planning, as they allow anticipation of challenges, validation of solutions through pilot testing, and adjustment of operational parameters based on real outcomes. Thus, commingling is consolidated as a transformative practice in modern mining, fostering more robust and sustainable decision-making for the development of long-life mining assets. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors express their sincere gratitude to Antamina for their invaluable support. Special thanks are extended to the Tailings Strategy Management team and the Long-Term Planning team for their collaboration and insights. 112
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