VBKOM was commissioned by one of South Africa’s leading mining and minerals companies to give Mine Planning and Design training to a group of their senior members. The course intended to teach mining practitioners the essential theory, rationale, methodology and sequencing behind Mine Planning.

The training was presented at the VBKOM office during the COVID-19 peak in Gauteng, but with careful planning and arrangements, the 5 day course was spaced over a 3-week period. Each delegate and all the presenters had to adhere to social distancing and good hygiene practices to ensure the safety of all present.

True to the nature of how VBKOM operates, the team created a customised solution to give training to a senior group within a very limited and restrictive COVID-19 environment.

The topics covered in the mine planning course included:

• The Mining Value Chain,
• Geology,
• Resource Optimisation,
• Geotechnical,
• Mine Design,
• Underground and Open Pit,
• Planning cycle,
• Equipment selection and optimisation,
• Production schedules and Mining Cost.

Emphasis was placed on a holistic approach to Open Pit and Underground Mining, as well as the consideration of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Economic impacts that mining has on communities and Africa as a whole. Further emphasis was given to ensuring that mining operations are always aligned to the strategic and tactical business objectives.

Mine Planning Course Presenters:

• George Olivier, Executive, Mining Engineer
• Paul Obermeyer, Principal, Geology
• Wilhelm Warschkuhl, Principal, Mining Engineer
• Werner Heenop, Principal, Mining Engineer
• Tidimalo Dolamo, Senior Consultant, Mining Engineer
• Ruben Els, Senior Consultant, Mining Engineer