Free screening calculator — published models
Heap leach facility cost estimator
Enter the ore stacking rate and get an order-of-magnitude capital for a heap leach facility — pad, liners, ponds, stacking and recovery plant (ADR/SX-EW share) — from the published USGS simplified economic filters for open-pit/heap-leach operations (Long & Singer).
How this estimate is computed
Published power-law screening model, evaluated at your capacity:
Capital = 30,000,000 $ × (A / 10,000)0.6
with A = ore stacking rate in t/d ore, valid 2000–60000
- Model form & exponent: USGS simplified economic filters for open-pit and heap-leach operations (Long & Singer, public domain).
- Anchor value: Costonomics assumption pending recalibration on publicly filed
studies (NI 43-101 / JORC) — flagged, never silent.
- Scope: full initial capital of the facility. Basis: 2026 USD, generic developed-market conditions, direct facility capital — owner's costs, EPCM and location factors excluded (project-level adjustments).
- Accuracy: AACE Class 5 screening (−35 % / +65 %), contingency
40% per AACE RP 18R-97 guidance.
- Cost basis: open cost book
mining-open-screening v1.0.0
(2026 USD).
Screening is level 1. Negotiation needs level 2.
This free tool runs on published, citable models — order-of-magnitude by design (AACE Class 5).
The Costonomics engine adds market-calibrated cost books, OPEX & TCO, and full AACE traceability.
Explore the costing engine