Maximizing machine production hours may destroy value

Most mine sites measure performance in terms of ore mined, waste moved or product produced. Production KPIs tend to manifest as a drive to maximize the working hours of equipment. The drive to achieve production (rather than value) KPIs often has some negative side effects that destroy the value that they seek to create. Maximizing equipment hours tends to reward the building of inventories, as to achieve high hours, machines need to work even when they are not required.

Continue reading “Maximizing machine production hours may destroy value”

MEC Mining’s Maria Joyce appointed WIMARQ Committee Chair

Maria Joyce is a General Manager at MEC Mining, and has served the company as a mining engineer for over ten years. Maria now adds another important role to her professional portfolio, having been appointed Committee Chair of Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) and a Queensland committee representative for Women in Mining Network (WIMnet).

Continue reading “MEC Mining’s Maria Joyce appointed WIMARQ Committee Chair”

This mining graduate went to market, this mining graduate stayed home, this mining graduate ate humble pie and this mining graduate got none

The pathways to developing a successful career in mining begins with a first step. During the recent mining downturn the lack of this first step has left many mining graduates without an opportunity and has certainly contributed to new undergraduate intakes at record lows. There is no doubt the industry will pay for this issue over the next 10 years and beyond, but reality is we are where we are, and we need to make the best of it and focus on changing this future trend. Encouraging and inspiring future generations that mining opens a range of possibilities is something all of us in the industry can assist with.

Continue reading “This mining graduate went to market, this mining graduate stayed home, this mining graduate ate humble pie and this mining graduate got none”

Ian Wallace – Pit optimisation and mine scheduling expert

With over 6 years experience in mining engineering, Ian is an open-cut Senior Mining Engineer with solid operational and technical skills in coal and exposure to Copper/Gold orebodies. During his career, Ian has lead project delivery on several major studies and demonstrates strong skills in short; medium and long term scheduling across a suite of software including Vulcan CAD/Optimisation and Deswik Scheduler/Landform.

Continue reading “Ian Wallace – Pit optimisation and mine scheduling expert”