The design of a mine must take into account critical operational and safety risks. This is true from exploration through to the mining process. A mine plan must allow for the safety of the miners. Safety and well-being of staff, contractors and the local community is of great concern to responsible mining companies. Mine plans will examine any aspect of operations which could directly impact workers, contractors or communities.

It is important to design the mine plan to reduce damage to the surrounding environment using methods that minimize environmental impact. Reduced interference will be caused by mining methods that have a lower environmental impact. Mine wastes such Richard Warke west Vancouver as tailings (rocks), wastewater and rocks can be reused either on-site.

The use of eco-friendly products such as engines that are powered by electricity will save a lot of carbon. Longer lasting machines will help reduce the amount waste. After the end of mining, landowners leave a large number of former mines unusable. Mine companies are able to use land rehabilitation techniques, such as topsoil and reforestation programs, in order to restore the productivity of land and increase the rate at which it recovers naturally.

Illegal mining has become a major issue in the industry. Preventing illegal or unregulated operations can help to ensure that the standards for mining are the same and will ensure accountability. Mining development begins with the discovery of a deposit and goes on until construction is started. In the stages of mine development the feasibility and viability of the project will be determined.

In the mining industry, social responsibility is a very important issue. Companies are looking for ways to improve their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and give back to local communities.

Mines employ many locals as workers, while some companies are involved in financing local suppliers. This promotes local business and grows the local economies. These companies fund infrastructure shared in the areas of power distribution and roads as well as water treatment and distribution.

Some companies are involved in the local community by sponsoring climate change programs, environmental projects and wildlife protection, as well as local and regional programmes such a sponsorships of sports and educational events and medical clinics, or funding local children’s programmes and arts festivals.

Companies should aim to use local tradespeople and labour whenever possible. They also focus on improvements in education, health care and infrastructure which will improve the quality of living. After the plan has become a reality, real work will begin. This stage can last anywhere between 10-20years before the mine site is ready to produce, depending on its size.

It is not uncommon for mines to be located in remote regions, which can make it more difficult to build the infrastructure required.

Mine roads are an important component of mine infrastructure. Their performance has a direct effect on cost, safety and operational efficiency. The cost of material haulage is a major part of mine costs. A well designed and maintained road can help reduce the cycle time, the fuel used, and tyre cost. It also helps to lower overall costs per tonne.