Mine Planning and Design for Open-Pit Operations

Geological Modeling and Resource Estimation

• Understanding and interpreting geological data to create 3D block models representing orebody characteristics, including grade, lithology, and alteration.
• Applying geostatistical techniques like kriging and simulation for resource estimation, accounting for spatial variability and uncertainty in ore grades.
• Classifying mineral resources based on confidence levels (measured, indicated, inferred) according to industry standards like JORC or NI 43-101.

Pit Optimization and Design

• Utilizing pit optimization algorithms (e.g., Lerchs-Grossmann, floating cone) to determine the economically optimal pit shell based on resource models, cost parameters, and metal prices.
• Designing practical pit layouts considering ramp configurations, haul road widths, bench heights, and overall slope angles, ensuring safe and efficient mining operations.
• Evaluating different pit staging strategies to maximize net present value (NPV) and manage cash flow over the life of mine.

Waste Dump Design and Management

• Designing stable and environmentally sound waste dumps, considering material properties, geotechnical factors, and regulatory requirements.
• Implementing waste dump construction techniques, such as compaction and terracing, to minimize slope failure and erosion.
• Developing waste dump management plans to control dust, runoff, and potential acid mine drainage (AMD).

Drilling and Blasting Operations

Drill Pattern Design and Optimization

• Designing efficient drill patterns based on rock properties, blasting objectives, and equipment capabilities.
• Calculating burden, spacing, and stemming for optimal fragmentation and muckpile profile.
• Selecting appropriate drill types (rotary, percussion, DTH) based on geological conditions and desired drilling rates.

Explosives Selection and Handling

• Choosing suitable explosives (ANFO, emulsions, dynamites) based on energy requirements, water resistance, and safety considerations.
• Understanding initiation systems (detonating cord, electronic detonators) and their impact on blast performance.
• Implementing safe handling and storage procedures for explosives, adhering to regulatory guidelines and best practices.

Blast Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitoring blast vibrations using seismographs to assess potential damage to surrounding structures and infrastructure.
• Analyzing blast fragmentation using image analysis software to optimize drill and blast parameters.
• Evaluating blast gas emissions and implementing mitigation measures to minimize environmental impact.

Loading and Hauling Equipment

Shovel and Loader Operations

• Optimizing shovel and loader digging techniques to maximize productivity and minimize wear and tear on equipment.
• Implementing efficient truck dispatching systems to reduce cycle times and queuing.
• Understanding shovel and loader maintenance procedures, including bucket and teeth replacement.

Haul Truck Operations

• Analyzing haul road design and maintenance requirements to minimize rolling resistance and tire wear.
• Implementing speed management strategies to enhance safety and reduce fuel consumption.
• Understanding haul truck maintenance procedures, including tire management, engine diagnostics, and brake system maintenance.

Crushing and Conveying Systems

• Understanding the operating principles of different crusher types (jaw, cone, gyratory) and their applications in open-pit mining.
• Optimizing crusher settings to achieve desired product size distributions.
• Maintaining crushing and conveying systems to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.

Equipment Maintenance and Reliability

Preventative Maintenance Programs

• Developing and implementing comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) programs for all mining equipment.
• Scheduling PM tasks based on operating hours, equipment condition, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Utilizing condition monitoring techniques (vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography) to identify potential equipment failures before they occur.

Predictive Maintenance Strategies

• Implementing predictive maintenance (PdM) strategies to optimize maintenance intervals and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Analyzing historical maintenance data to identify trends and predict future equipment failures.
• Utilizing machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of predictive maintenance models.

Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)

• Conducting thorough root cause failure analysis (RCFA) to identify the underlying causes of equipment failures.
• Utilizing RCFA tools and techniques (5 Whys, fishbone diagrams) to determine the root causes of failures.
• Implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence of failures.