A mine operation can only perform as well as its schedule. When it comes to mining scheduling, several pieces and activities are involved that, if properly managed, ensure the efficiency and profitability of production.
Mining scheduling can be done using different tools; Gantt charts and spreadsheets are often the first choices many plants use. They are the “easiest” solution and one that could work. However, there is a better, more efficient way to connect a large number of moving parts and uncertainties to make your mining a savvy production machine.
Some Tools Come with Their Challenges
Spreadsheets are the traditional approach for every operation, but they come with their own scheduling challenges. The bigger the operation, the more complex the scheduling, and one small mishap can turn it upside down. Spreadsheets and their manual processes are more error-prone than other solutions.
Spreadsheets are often great for calculations and basic data organization, but with a complex operation such as mining, a simple spreadsheet can become more time-consuming, and maintaining data accuracy and consistency across numerous spreadsheets can prove to be a big challenge.
A Gantt Chart is the next step up in scheduling; however, it comes with challenges. While it can be a great tool for visualizing sequential tasks, it lacks the ability to capture the intricate process of activities in a mine.
The oversimplification of a Gantt chart fails to show the continuous process in mining, from hauling to processing, and omits the dynamic interactions between different areas of the operation. While a Gantt chart is a proven organizational method, when it comes to mining operations and scheduling, it can fail to provide the accuracy and visibility a mining operation needs.
Other Challenges with Gantt and Spreadsheets can be:
- Lack of optimization
- Resource constraints
- Lack of scalability and collaboration
- Lack of integration
Mathematical Optimization: Join the Resistance
A big mining operation requires an approach that can match the complexity of the data being handled. That is where mathematical optimization comes into play. Analysis of massive amounts of data at a fraction of the time it would take to do manually, allows you to save time, money and increase the accuracy of a detailed schedule that considers all the crucial factors of your particular operation.
Optimization models can help you see beyond the naked eye and capture the intricate interdependencies between different mining activities to ensure that your schedule accounts for all factors and interactions between processes to ensure a proper schedule is being developed.
Another benefit to mathematical optimization in mining scheduling is the ability to easily evaluate impact, changes and view key metrics like NPV, equipment utilization and production output. Optimizing your mine schedule can help you integrate complex geological data such as ore grades and geotechnical properties into your schedule to ensure the best ore is prioritized.
Mathematical optimization scales as well. You can effectively manage large and growing operations and have a centralized and integrated platform that allows for scheduling and collaboration across different departments.
Although all options provide a way to handle data, mathematical optimization proves to be a more dynamic and data-driven approach that not only leans on the power of data but maximizes its use for mining scheduling success. When it comes to choosing an approach to mining scheduling, it comes down to the size of your operation and how efficiently you want to manage your time to ensure optimal use of time, resources and money involved.
Are you ready to explore your options with mathematical optimization? Contact us, or schedule a free consultation with our expert PhDs to get started.