Strategic Mine Planning Edition

Injecting agility into strategic mine planning

In this article we discuss how advanced mathematical optimisation and simulation tools are transforming strategic mine planning in the face of evolving challenges. From deepening mines and declining ore grades, to integrating new technologies and meeting ESG requirements, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial.

By harnessing the power of optimisation and simulation, mines can elevate and increase their net present value (NPV), improve productivity, and gain a competitive edge in today's rapidly transforming landscape.

Read more about how Polymathian's solutions empower mining operations to optimise long-term plans, enhance decision-making, and unlock the full potential of scheduling.

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Transforming mine scheduling with Industrial Mathematics

In this article, we take a look at the recent enhancements to?APEX Strategic, previously known as ORB Strategic, making it?into a more effective tool for optimising underground mine plans.

Discover the findings of our latest benchmarking assessments that evaluate APEX's comparative performance against other tools in the sector to maximise NPV.

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Case Study: Significant increase in NPV for greenfield potash mine

The customer owns a large-scale, underground, room and pillar potash mine with multiple seams. Polymathian deployed the strategic module of APEX to address the life of mine planning challenges.

Commodity: Potash?

Mining Method: Room and Pillar

Product: APEX

Module:?Strategic

THE VALUE:

• ?Achieved an 11% NPV improvement
• ?Reduced solution time from weeks to hours
• ?Delivered a mathematically optimal schedule with global optimisation

Read the entire case study here

Using simulation and optimisation to support the mining execution plan

Polymathian's Head of Simulation, Colin Eutace, attended APCOM 2023 in South Dakoda?to present his paper on 'Using simulation and optimisation to support the mining execution plan'.

The paper discusses?how?simulation and optimisation tools can aid in rapidly refining weekly or daily plans, tailored to the current state of the mine. By automating the planning process and enabling the testing of alternative plans, these tools provide a flexible, efficient approach. They allow for adjustments and mitigate potential issues, ensuring that the mine operates as efficiently as possible, even when conditions change.

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Generate comprehensive life-of-mine schedules that optimise for Net Present Value (NPV)

Efficiently create an optimal underground mine schedule, adhering to all variables and constraints. APEX aligns with user-configurable objectives, such as NPV, and analyses multiple scenarios simultaneously. APEX can help you to evaluate?the impacts of varying strategic decisions on a mine’s commercial and operational feasibility. This is achieved with a 'run-once' solver, rapidly generating mathematically optimal scenarios.

Scenarios APEX can help you answer:

• What is the optimal schedule to maximise mill performance based on ore grade and blending requirements?
• How do design decisions impact the economic viability of the mine? e.g Shaft location, stope sizing, mining areas, etc.
• Where is the mine capacitated given the mining dependencies, infrastructure and resourcing constraints? How can my strategic decisions unlock production bottlenecks?
• How do different cut-off grades and forecasted commodity pricing affect the mining sequence and the impacts to mill performance?

Getting to know Rob Lucas

This month we are getting to know?Rob. He is one of Polymathian’s consultants, who shares a unique blend of mathematical prowess, strategic thinking and quick wit.

When he's not solving problems for our clients, you'll find him?engrossed in a book or enjoying the outdoors.?Let's get to know more about Rob!

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