A mine is the product of a successful study in a geological exploration stage where there is enough information to define a proven reserve (NRGI Reader, 2015), with a very high certainty which includes the knowledge of basic parameters such a rock density of the orebody as the neighbor rocks, lithology, depth, size, the shape of the orebody, and stress fields. All these characteristics are part of the minimum requirements needed for identifying the best way to recover the mineral based on a forecast of daily dilution tons and the equipment and facilities that will need for the construction of the drift and mineral’s removal, transport, and processing (DARLING, P., 2011).
It is important to understand that the mining planning is always according to the corporation’s strategies, so the tactical level, that means engineers and operators, must apply effective and efficient techniques according to the initial estimation, defining the business value (DE KOCP, P. 2007). Mining is a business, an economic activity, which needs to be profitable, using the best techniques possible to recover the maximum of the mineral reservoir, avoiding damage and perturbation to the environment.
Control and management of different stages, situations, or operational events are an indispensable part of doing any planning. Is mandatory to have a wide view and deep knowledge of all variables and must be considered especially those whose magnitude could affect the drift integrity having consequences for people, operations, or the company’s assets. Even if the corrective actions are executed in the operational or post-operational phase, the continuous update of the database (Manoj, M. 2013) and variable refinement, will let have a better understanding of the geological and operational settings, letting avoid, minimize or control the possible deviation. That is the key to a successful exploitation phase.
PROMINE, considering all mentioned aspects has designed a module in one of its categories for drift planning with very high accuracy, making possible covers the different scenarios easily and quickly, based on specific commands for each process, bring on the table simple but powerful tools. The tools are ready for saving time in conceptualization, planning, and visualization in all mining processes such as drift planning and construction. These can be interpreted as money-saving because the design can be done in a short time.
Drift planning control and quick powerful tools are an undeniable combination, for improving the proficiency of the business and increasing its profit. Best practices are time-saving and time is money.
References:
DARLING, P., (2011). SME Mining Engineering Handbook. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.
DE KOCK, P. A. (2007). Back to Basics Approach to Mining Strategy Formulation. The 6th International Heavy Minerals Conference ‘Back to Basics’, The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
http://saimm.org.za/Conferences/HMC2007/173-178_deKock.pdf
Manoj, M. V., Likewin, T and Annappa, B. (2013). Phenomenon of concept drift from process mining insight. ResearcheGate. DOI: 10.1109/IAdCC.2014.6779378.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262767727_Phenomenon_of_concept_drift_from_process_mining_insight
Resourcegovernance.org. 2015.NRGI Reader. [online] Available at: https://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/nrgi_Mineral-Industry.pdf
[Accessed 9 February 2022].
Greatmining.com. 2022. Drift Mining, Mining Process, Mining Techniques, Gold, Zinc, Coal, Mineral Mining. [online] Available at: https://www.greatmining.com/drift-mining.htm
[Accessed 9 February 2022].
