Derivation of mineral processing environmental sustainability indicators using a DEA weight-restricted algorithm

Minerals & Metallurgical Processing , 2008, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 199-205

Tsolas, I.

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents the use of non-parametric approach (i.e., data envelopment analysis, DEA) for the development of environmental sustainability indicators in mineral processing using environmental, economic and/or integrated indicators (i.e., indicators that interrelate two dimensions of sustainability). A case study based on real publicly available data is presented to illustrate how the proposed approach can be implemented in practice. The merit of this approach, which is based on the productive effi ciency framework, is that it provides environmental sustainability indicators that can be used internally for benchmarking purposes and externally for sustainability reporting.