Mining Site Selection in Lateritic Nickel Ore Deposits: A Conceptual Model

The increasing need for energy in recent years has triggered an increasing exploration for the mining of important commodities, such as nickel. Lateritic nickel ore (laterite ore) is a type of ore that dominates nickel reserves globally. This ore can be mined through open pit mining. In sustainable mining, mining companies are required to choose the best mining location based on three aspects: economic, environmental, and social. So far, the trend of problem research in mineral mining is still increasing. However, based on literature studies, there are still very few models that can be used to help companies choose mining locations, especially for open pit mining of nickel ore. This article conceptually models the problem with this phenomenon. So that it helps decision-makers in nickel mining companies make the best decisions. The results of the conceptual model developed in this article can then be used as a reference in mathematical modeling to determine the best nickel laterite ore mining location.