Designing sustainable prosperity “DSP”: A collaborative effort to build resilience in copper-producing regions

CIM Journal Preprints

D. Hiam-Galvez, F. Prescott, and J. Hiam
Hatch Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Mines are frequently located in remote areas with little conventional employment and few opportunities for the local population. The development and operation of the mines results in several years of intense activity followed by a near-complete reduction in employment and opportunities after the mines are closed. Designing Sustainable Prosperity is a method for rectifying this situation by designing for long-term economic activity in areas that host mines. This process involves the participation of local and national governments, local community, mining companies, investors, academics, and those with sector expertise. The mines will be the catalyst for regional sustainable development. If successful, long-term economic and environmental prosperity should result for the areas affected by mining and could promote the regions as centres of excellence for a particular industry. This paper describes how the concept works using the copper producing region of Peru and Chile as an example. Designing sustainable prosperity starts by looking at regions based on the natural resources and skills available, the infrastructure, and possible energy sources. Integrated natural resource models and innovative market studies, followed by education and skills requirements, are then established to determine the potential for the region and what needs to be done to realize the possibilities.