Skip to Main Content

Mining Management: Feasibility Studies

About Feasibility Studies

A feasibility study is an evaluation of a proposed mining project and determines if the project can be mined profitably. There are two main types of feasibility studies for mining projects and both include similar content, such as:

  • reserve estimation
  • evaluation of mining methods for proposed project
  • analysis of processing techniques required for project
  • estimation of capital and operating costs for proposed project
  • potential effect(s) on environment

The two main types of feasibility studies are typically called:

  • Prefeasibility study: This study will determine whether a detailed feasibility study is required. Usually performed by technical experts and is considered to be accurate within 20-30%.
  • Detailed feasibility study: This type of study is very detailed and will evaluate if the project should proceed. It requires significant engineering work, as it provides capital and budget estimates for proposed projects and these estimates are considered to be accurate within 10-15%.

For more information on feasibility studies and the various steps required to understake a successful study, please consult the following:

Kumar, Amit. (2012, March). Feasibility studies. TechnoMine. Retrieved from http://technology.infomine.com/reviews/FeasibilityStudies/welcome.asp?view=full

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. (2014, May 14). CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves 2014. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Retrieved from http://www.cim.org/~/media/Files/PDF/Subsites/CIM_DEFINITION_STANDARDS_20142 

Locating Mining Company Feasibility Studies

S&P Metals and Mining (Capital IQ Pro) (first time users create unique login using @yorku.ca or @schulich.yorku.ca email)

  • An excellent resource for finding feasibility studies quickly
  • To access feasibility studies:
    • Sign-in to S&P Metals and Mining
    • Select "Advanced Search" at the top of the browser window
    • Select the tab labeled "Documents, Transcripts & Events" and then "Documents & Filings."
    • Using the filters on the left-hand side, enter a company name if desired, as well as filing date or geographical region
    • Using the "Document Type" filter at on the left, select "Institutional Filings" > "Metals & Mining Filing" > "Feasibility Study Reports"