A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning, 24 October 2019 / The impacts of mine closure on the local communities and on the nation’s economic wellbeing where mining is the main economic activity are often very devastating. This research explores the alternative ways that could be adopted to achieve the economic development of Jwaneng, Botswana. Sustainable Local economic development (LED) is perceived as the solution to moving towards a prosperous future. However LED assumes that all local actors (residents, physical/ urban planner, mine workers, private sector, public sector/government and the mine) will collaborate in shaping the future of Jwaneng. This research highlights that the primary role of urban and economic development planning in working towards economic sustainability in small mining towns is to produce policies and programs that promote economic growth post mine closure. The economy of Jwaneng has performed well for the past two decades; however, the town’s physical developed has progressed slowly. Jwaneng has no policy or program that focuses solely on the economic development of the town as such these calls for the need for one that works towards achieving a better economic future post mine closure that enhances the quality of life for the people of Jwaneng. Mine closures in the context of developing countries differ from that which occurs in developed countries, in that alternative socio-economic and environmental options are limited in developing countries. Nevertheless, building the foundations for sustainable local economic development is a pressing concern in developing countries requiring creativity, cooperation and leadership. As such, the role should be noticed and not overlooked. Jwaneng, Botswana has the potential to be a tourist attraction town post the mine closure with the game reserve and the mine pits being the destinations. The town also has the potential to be a district service centre. As such, the town could be economically functional even post mine closure; however, there is a need for this to be supported strongly through policy. The Government have responded by referencing mining for specific attention in policies on sustainable development, and by issuing legislation and guidelines for mining. Although mining in Botswana is; exceptionally good, excellently regulated and is a point of reference for other countries, there is a need for a more promising intervention. There needs to be an implementation process which aims to ensure promising economic stability and future not just for the locals, but for the town and country as a whole, post mine closure. / PH2020

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A research report in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Engineering submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, 2019 / Mining operations are by nature capital intensive. Historically mining companies have in general been poor at capital allocation decision making, which translated in poor returns on capital invested and impairments. Better capital allocation strategies are required for mining companies to unlock more value from invested capital. This research focussed on identifying factors to consider during the capital allocation decision-making process that can potentially unlock value in mineral projects. The research included a review of capital allocation decisions and performance of five mining companies from 2001 to 2017. This period covers one full commodity price cycle to determine the impact of the prevailing commodity price on capital allocation decisions. Through analysis of the historical capital allocation of the five mining companies the research aimed to test if it is possible to unlock value by allocating capital in a counter cyclical approach compared to the prevailing commodity prices. From the analysis of the historical capital allocation decisions made by five mining companies a number of common trends were identified. The research found that during a period of higher commodity prices, mining companies focussed primarily on volume growth. This is confirmed by a strong correlation between the value of capital approvals and the average commodity prices of the basket of minerals produced. The higher allocation of capital towards growth initiatives, such as expansionary capital and acquisitions, have in a number of instances resulted in significant capital over-expenditures in projects. The over-expenditures have directly contributed to a number of impairment charges made by the diversified mining companies during a declining commodity price cycle. Conversely, during periods of declining commodity prices mining companies focused on rationalisation of mining projects and operations and disposal of assets that do not meet minimum investment criteria. During these periods capital allocation towards growth projects were reduced, with most capital allocated to reduction of net debt on the balance sheet. The research found a common trend of higher capital allocation towards growth projects during historical high commodity prices, and during subsequent lower commodity prices capital allocation was directed towards reduction of net debt and disposal of loss making assets. Results from the research conducted on the five mining companies indicated that there may be correlation between return on investment and the timing of the capital investment in relation to the position on the commodity price cycle at the time of the investment. However, the results obtained for the five mining companies were influenced by operational returns from existing operations, which makes it difficult to determine returns realised on incremental capital expenditures. From the results obtained from the analysis the following recommendations are made for a capital allocation strategy to increase the probability of unlocking value over the long term. Firstly, a company should have a clear capital allocation framework that is guided by the mining company’s strategic objectives. The framework should clearly indicate the hierarchy of importance when allocating capital to different areas. Secondly the company should clearly identify the minimum investment criteria to be met before capital is allocated to an investment. Lastly the mining company should aim to consistently invest capital throughout the commodity price cycle, and be cautious of over allocating capital towards growth projects during periods of high commodity prices. / TL (2020)

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The object of writing this thesis was to present a brief history of the development of Texas minerals other than petroleum and sulphur.

段海燕. / "2013年9月". / "2013 nian9 yue". / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 174-188). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract in Chinese and English. / Duan Haiyan.

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Thesis--University of Missouri, School of Mines and Metallurgy, 1876. / The entire thesis text is included in file. Holograph [Handwritten and illustrated in entirety by author]. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed September 5, 2008)

Thesis (M. App. Sc.)--Carleton University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 182-187). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.