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IntroductionThe Standardized Reclamation Cost Estimator (SRCE) was created in accordance with the guidelines developed during the implementation of the Nevada Standardized Unit Cost Project, a collaborative effort by the following organizations:
The Nevada Standardized Unit Cost Project was intended to address the need to provide a consistent basis for estimating reclamation costs for mining operations in Nevada with the goals of ensuring that mine reclamation cost estimates meet the applicable regulatory requirements and can be quickly reviewed by regulatory agencies. With the addition of user-editable data files, the model can also be used to estimate reclamation costs using internal or standardized accounting cost data. OverviewThere are two versions of SRCE, one designed for use in the preparation of reclamation cost estimates in the State of Nevada for financial assurance purposes and an international version. Both versions of SRCE utilize standardized reclamation calculation methods, productivity data and procedures to estimate the cost of reclaiming a mine site. Although the SRCE was originally based on the regulatory requirements of the BLM and NDEP, these requirements are very similar, and therefore applicable, to those of many other jurisdictions. The Nevada-approved version includes standardized para Although the SRCE provides methods for estimating most of reclamation activities encountered at a typical mine site, some activities that require highly site-specific information and designs are not included in the model. Items that are not included are primarily associated with process and mine water management and water treatment. Blank, user-editable worksheets are included to allow users to incorporate these elements or other mine closure activities in their cost estimate. The model files are located on this site, along with empty cost data files for use with each version. The official standardized data files used for financial assurance calculations in the State of Nevada are available from the NDEP web site. Regulatory BasisMine operators in Nevada are required by State law and, where mining is conducted on Federal land by Federal law, to provide estimates of the cost of reclaiming their mine sites and to provide a financial guarantee to the state and federal government in the amount of the estimate. The estimates are based upon the assumption that a third-party government contractor will perform the reclamation work. The proceeds of a forfeited financial guarantee are used by the BLM and/or NDEP to pay the contractor to do the work. The basis for development of the SRCE were the applicable State and Federal laws including:
Although the regulations used as the basis for the SRCE were those applicable to the United States of America and the State of Nevada, these regulations are fairly typical of North American jurisdictions and should provide a reasonable basis for reclamation cost estimated for most operations using North American standards. These requirements also closely mirror good international industry practice, and requirements in many international jurisdictions. Therefore, estimates created in SRCE have been accepted by other governments, many financial institutions, and financial auditing firms. |
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meters such as equipment fleets, equipment operator skill, and job efficiencies. This version, combined with the standardized cost data file published each year by the State of Nevada, can be used to calculate reclamation costs as if a third-party contractor in Nevada is performing the reclamation under contract to the BLM or NDEP.