Pit optimization is essential in mining, ensuring efficiency and maximizing profits. In this article, we will explore how to balance time, quality and cost when operationalizing pits and phases, highlighting practical strategies to achieve the best results.
You've probably heard the saying "the cheap is expensive", right? This usually happens when you chose the cheapest option and the end result does not meet your expectations. To obtain the desired quality, it is not always necessary to invest more resources but rather to optimize and/or adapt your demand, as “time is money”.
The main strategy of a project is to balance the relationship time x quality x cost. When we talk about quality, it is important to have the very clear concept that quality is suitability for use and also compliance with requirements, that is, defining what is important in demand.
The Importance of Pit Operationalization
In mining, the operationalization of pits/phases is crucial to maximize the value and profit of mineral extraction.
The main function of an operational pit is to provide a final mining boundary geometry that allows efficient and profitable extraction of the mineral deposit. This approach involves three types of results with different levels of detail:
- Pre-Operational Pit
Pre-operationalization of pits consists of creating the geometry of the final pit considering benches defined by foot and crest, respecting the geotechnical parameters of face angles, berm size and general slope angle.
At this stage, it is necessary to tool MinePlan pit expansion to prepare the Pé & Crista project. The final result will be a pre-operational pit without the insertion of ramps, but it allows quick sketches of the final pit and/or phases or even to be used in mathematical sequences in order to bring the results closer to reality.
- Operational Pit
Taking the Pre-Operational pit as a reference, the geometry of the final pit is prepared, considering the insertion of ramps and accesses, respecting the geotechnical parameters.
The tool is also used MinePlan Pit Expansion with the inclusion of ramps and access. The end result will be a fully operational pit with the possibility of gains from geometric adjustments.
- Optimized Operational Pit
A refinement is carried out in the operational pit, with the realization of geometric adjustments aimed mainly at the reduction of waste, minimization of ore loss, smoothing and operational improvement.
Optimizing Time, Quality and Costs
It is important to recognize that there is quality at all levels of pit operation, but each level is adapted to the degree of detail required:
- Pre-Operational Pit: Low cost and low time (some hours), with minimal details.
- Operational Pit: Reduced costs and time with good quality (1 day of work).
- Optimized Operational Pit: High quality, requiring more time (2 days).
The times highlighted are references for the pit presented, possible to be achieved only with the tool MinePlan Pit Expansion. There is no exact formula for choosing the method to be used, but decisions must be based on technical criteria and the final objectives of the work, optimizing time, quality and costs.
Likewise, optimizing your team's work or time can be achieved through training that considers the methodology presented. In future projects, clearly identify your objectives to balance cost-benefit.
For more details on the differentiated performance of the MinePlan, training and pit operational services, contact us.
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