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Case Study – Open Cut Coal Life of Mine Plan; Mining and Dumping Sequence

INTRODUCTION

An open cut coal mine in New South Wales requested an analysis of different mining options including direction of mining and waste dump sequencing. MEC’s schedule enabled managers to plan the adjustments in the excavation and hauling fleets whilst ensuring the stability of production. Over and above that, MEC’s recommendation was subsequently used for long term strategic planning and departmental approval. This is because MEC has a wealth of experience in best practice methodology and expertise in mine planning software, crucial in evaluating various mining options in changing conditions.

KEY ISSUES

  • Reduction of ex-pit, long haul waste volumes
  • Waste dump design to address specific rehabilitation requirements
  • Practical and achievable mining sequence
  • Waste dumping strategy to be tested by detailed designs – access roads and ramps
  • Production schedule to reflect the actual operating capacities

OUR SOLUTION

  • Familiarisation with deposit and mining sequence
  • Review of a range of scenarios resulting in two selected for detailed analysis
  • Two production schedules were produced using Xpac software
  • Development of long term waste dumping sequence, featuring major haul roads, ramps and final landform

BENEFITS TO CLIENT

The client received a detailed description of critical operational issues along with a proposed schedule of ex-pit and in-pit dumping capacities. The multiple schedules gave managers flexibility and better understanding of variance between options. This enabled managers to plan the adjustments in the excavating and hauling fleets, while ensuring the stability of production.

TRUSTED EXPERTISE. PROVEN OUTCOMES.