Mine planning puts you on the path to success by establishing and developing a cost-effective solution for the extraction of mined minerals at optimal quality and quantities. This is developed such that shareholder returns are maximised, while adhering to business standards and ethics.

The mine planning process involves short-, medium- and long-term plans. These different plans are aligned to ensure that the mine’s strategic objectives are implemented effectively and seamlessly.

Short-term plans

Short term plans provide detailed procedures on how to successfully execute the mine’s operational objectives. They involve intensive planning, including shift by shift schedules. For example, plans on where to mine the following week and the scheduling of blasts.

Medium-term plans

Medium-term plans link together strategies in Life of Mine Plans (LOMP) and short-term plans for implementation. They focus on issues like the optimisation of product quality and production efficiency.

Long-term plans

These plans establish the goal, blueprint and direction of the mine. For instance, they include blocks which must be mined each year through the LOM to maximise Net Present Value (NPV). Long-term plans must focus on achieving the goal of the mine in the long run.

Why is it important to carry out mine planning?

Mine planning is directly linked to the mine’s optimal performance and future operational problems can be predicted and prevented by good mine planning.

The hierarchy of mine planning

• The Strategic Options Analysis (SOA) – Long-term plan
  • Evaluates ALL strategic decisions that can be made for the mine
  • Must be reviewed annually
  • Updated every 3-5 years

• The Life of Mine Plan (LOMP) – Long-term plan
  • Done after the SOA has been established
  • Establishes the foundation plan for all other short-term plans to build upon
  • Must be updated annually

• The Five-Year Plan (5YP) – Medium-term plan
  • Developed and approved annually
  • Provides sufficient time to identify and implement strategies for foreseeable operational problems

• The Two-Year Plan (2YP) – Short-term plan
  • Updated quarterly with more detail regarding the required engineering work
  • Monthly reports to be drafted
  • Forms an ongoing part of short-term planning

How to ensure mine plans are adhered to?

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are allocated and assessed accordingly throughout the entire organisational structure.

Performance is ultimately measured according to the LOMP.

What a mine plan will require?

• A clear indication of the larger picture as well as the details where required
• Established ways to ensure efficient use of available resources
• Implementation of the business strategy
• Obtaining optimal quality and quantity of mined mineral
• Space for change according to requirements
• Ability to provide feedback to management and workforce
• The results of mine planning
• Decision-making that is effective
• Minimal production cost
• Faith in the operation and its processes
• Reduction of risk factors
• Strategic partnership with the right experts

If mining companies in South Africa want to be successful and sustainable, it is imperative that they implement a cohesive mine planning strategy.

VBKOM’s mining engineers have extensive experience in this field and offer invaluable mine planning knowledge and advice. We’re passionate about solving your problems and making a real difference – both to the industry and the thousands of people it employs.

For more information on how we can help make your success a reality, contact us.