Temporal and Spatial Reconciliation at Storm Mountain Diamonds Mine (Pty) Ltd

Abstract

Storm Mountain Diamonds (Pty) Ltd’s Kao Mine has not been consistently achieving its production and grade targets, schedules, and mine call factor compared to the grade control model forecasts. These discrepancies can jeopardise the future of the mine and can lead to inaccurate decision making. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct temporal and spatial reconciliation at the mine. This was done to identify sources of variations in mineral resource volumes, tonnages, and grades at the mine. This reconciliation process is crucial for mines as it ensures the alignment of predicted and actual mineral resource extraction. The study was conducted for a period from September 2022 to August 2023. Various data collection methods were used including truck counts, plant weightometer, advanced vehicle analysis, and global navigation satellite systems to do the reconciliation process. Data such as truck tallies, face mapping, density measurements, exploration drilling data and monthly survey data were utilised in this research. It was found that the mine’s performance during the review period was below expectations. Average temporal and spatial compliance were found to be 8% (between tally and survey measurements) and 75%, respectively. September 2022 notably recorded the lowest spatial compliance of 44% primarily due to low equipment availability averaging 75%. Also, over- and under-breakages of up to 5m from the design were observed. This temporal and spatial underperformance was broadly caused by several reasons including poor blasting practices, unpredictable rainfall, human error and poor understanding of the orebody. It is recommended that the mine consider using more advanced survey equipment and data analytics technologies to collect and analyse data more accurately. The mine should also improve its accounting practices including spillage management on belt conveyors, maintaining low stockpile levels, regular calibration of weightometers and shifting to daily operational planning. It is also recommended that the mine must involve all relevant stakeholders in the reconciliation process to promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.