TY - JOUR
T1 - Using system dynamics to model the interaction between environmental and economic factors in the mining industry
AU - O'Regan, Bernadette
AU - Moles, Richard
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - This paper describes a graphical and mathematical representation of the interactions between environmental and economic policies governing the long-term behaviour of a complex system - namely, the interrelationships governing the flow of mineral investment funds. The paper is underpinned by a computer simulation model developed in the system dynamics tradition. Through quantitative analysis of existing data, the model exposes, within the context of sustainable development, the underlying assumptions used as a basis for corporate decisions. Through the compression of time, the model provides a means of taking these assumptions to their logical conclusions. Exposing assumptions in this way leaves less room for misinterpretation and provides a solid basis for enhancing the understanding of system structure. It is by better understanding system structure that more effective sustainable development policies may be designed and implemented.
AB - This paper describes a graphical and mathematical representation of the interactions between environmental and economic policies governing the long-term behaviour of a complex system - namely, the interrelationships governing the flow of mineral investment funds. The paper is underpinned by a computer simulation model developed in the system dynamics tradition. Through quantitative analysis of existing data, the model exposes, within the context of sustainable development, the underlying assumptions used as a basis for corporate decisions. Through the compression of time, the model provides a means of taking these assumptions to their logical conclusions. Exposing assumptions in this way leaves less room for misinterpretation and provides a solid basis for enhancing the understanding of system structure. It is by better understanding system structure that more effective sustainable development policies may be designed and implemented.
KW - Environmental policy
KW - Mining
KW - Modelling
KW - Sustainable development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33644597415&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2004.05.006
DO - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2004.05.006
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33644597415
SN - 0959-6526
VL - 14
SP - 689
EP - 707
JO - Journal of Cleaner Production
JF - Journal of Cleaner Production
IS - 8
ER -