Economic Evaluation and Risk Analysis of Mineral Projects: Proceedings of the International Mining Forum 2008 Cracow - Szczyrk - Wieliczka, Poland, February 2008

The International Mining Forum is a recurring event, hosted by the University of Science and Technology in Cracow, Poland, bringing together an international group of scientists, including those working in rock mechanics and computer engineering as well as mining engineers. The topics are wide-ranging, including papers on remote sensing to assess primary impact; treatment of sealed-off coal mine fires; sustainable development in mine closure; and monitoring of natural hazards and safety issues. The International Mining Forum was first held in 1998. The Forum is a meeting of scientists and professionals who, together with the organizers, establish ambitious aims to confront ideas and experiences, evaluate implemented solutions, and discuss new ideas that might change the image of the mining industry. Economic evaluation and risk analysis of mineral projects are always hot topics, inherent in mining activity. The session is devoted to many uncertainty and risk issues related to value and return and, therefore, affecting decision making processes. The special session on recovery and utilization of coal mine methane focuses on upstream and downstream technical solutions for managing methane, best practices of effective management CMM emissions and financing methane drainage improvements and end-use options as well A collection of papers on current research and practice concerning economic evaluation and risk analysis, plus a special section on recovery and utilization of coal mine methane, as presented at the International Mining Forum in February 2008 in Cracow, Poland.