In an open cut mine, bulk dozer push can be one of the most cost-effective methods of moving overburden. Under the right application, the unit cost of dozer push sits somewhere between a dragline and truck/shovel excavation. So, if geotechnical conditions are favourable and the dozer fleet is sufficient, dozer push should be considered to replace some of the truck/shovel prime. Dozer push can also be used to replace dragline prime. This is because it can speed up the linear progression of the dragline - which in many cases will lower the dragline unit cost rate and increase coal uncovery.
