Mining Cost Per Tonne Calculator
This calculator computes total mining operating cost per tonne of ore, combining fixed costs, variable costs, and processing costs. Cost per tonne is the foundational metric for assessing whether a mining project is economically viable. Enter the cost components and ore tonnage to get the total cost per tonne and the total project operating cost.
Mining cost per tonne formula
Total OpEx/t = Mining Cost/t + Processing Cost/t + G&A Cost/t + Royalty/t
Where Royalty/t = Metal Price/t x (Royalty % / 100). Total project OpEx = Total OpEx/t x Ore Tonnage. Margin/t = Metal Price/t - Total OpEx/t.
Typical cost ranges by mining method
| Mining Method | Mining Cost ($/t) | Processing ($/t) |
|---|---|---|
| Open-pit (low strip) | 2-5 | 5-15 |
| Open-pit (high strip) | 5-12 | 5-15 |
| Underground (bulk) | 20-50 | 15-30 |
| Underground (selective) | 50-150+ | 20-50 |
| Heap leach (gold) | 3-8 | 3-8 |
Mining cost per tonne calculator: frequently asked questions
What is cost per tonne in mining?
Cost per tonne (also written C/t) is the total cost incurred to mine, process, and deliver one metric tonne of ore or material. It is the primary unit cost metric in mining economics and is used to assess project viability against commodity prices.
What costs are typically included in mining cost per tonne?
Costs typically include: mining (drilling, blasting, loading, haulage), processing (crushing, grinding, flotation or leaching), general and administrative (G&A) costs, royalties, and sustaining capital. Each is expressed per tonne of ore processed.
What is the difference between cash cost and all-in sustaining cost (AISC)?
Cash cost covers direct operating costs per unit of metal produced. All-in sustaining cost (AISC), defined by the World Gold Council, adds sustaining capital, corporate overhead, and reclamation costs, giving a more complete picture of production economics.
How does ore grade affect effective cost per tonne?
Lower ore grade means more rock must be processed per unit of metal recovered, effectively increasing the cost per unit of metal even if the cost per tonne of ore is constant. This is why grade and cost per tonne must always be evaluated together.
What are typical mining costs per tonne?
Open-pit mining costs typically range from $2 to $10 per tonne of material mined (ore plus waste). Underground mining is generally $30 to $150+ per tonne of ore. Processing costs add another $5 to $40 per tonne depending on the metallurgy involved.
Official sources
- U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) / Office of Surface Mining: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
- World Gold Council AISC Guidance: World Gold Council: Gold Demand Trends and Costs.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.