Technical operating flexibility in the analysis of mine layouts and schedules.
Date
2007-02
Authors
Musingwini, C.
Minnitt, R.C.A.
Woodhall, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Abstract
Often overlooked factor in the analysis of mine layouts and schedules is technical operating flexibility (or tactical flexibility), mainly due to its nebulous nature. By glossing over technical operating flexibility the resultant mine layouts and schedules may be suboptimal. The need to incorporate technical operating flexibility into the analysis and comparison of mine layouts and schedules is increasing in importance. The nature of technical operating flexibility is illustrated, previous work on valuing of operating flexibility reviewed, and a proposal made on how technical operating flexibility can be quantified for tabular reef mines by using a platinum reef deposit as a case study. Once technical operating flexibility has been quantified it becomes possible to explore its incorporation into the analysis of mine layouts and schedules and subsequent optimization processes. This paper is a revised version of a paper presented in the Proceedings of the Second International Platinum Conference, 'Platinum Surges Ahead' in 2006. The work described in this paper is part of a current PhD study at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Description
This paper is a revised version of a paper presented in the Proceedings of the Second International Platinum Conference, 'Platinum Surges Ahead' in 2006. The work described in this paper is part of a current PhD study at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Keywords
Mine plans, Ore availability, Tactical flexibility, Operating flexibility, Platinum, Process control, Mineral industry, Mine layouts
Citation
Musingwini, C., Minnitt, R.C.A. and Woodhall, M. 2007. Technical operating flexibility in the analysis of mine layouts and schedules. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 107 (2), pp. 129-136.