You've probably heard the saying "the cheap is expensive", right? This usually happens when you have chosen the cheapest option and the end result does not live up to your expectations. To obtain the desired quality, it is not always necessary to invest more resources, but to optimize and/or adapt your demand, because “time is money”.
The main strategy of a project is to balance the relationship time x quality x cost. When we talk about quality, it is important to have the very clear concept that quality is suitability for use and also compliance with requirements, that is, defining what is important in demand.
MineSight is a software provider of integrated and innovative solutions that guarantee ease, agility and, above all, quality so that we can get even closer to the shortest time, the best results and the lowest cost.
We often have a need for fast results or a very high level of precision is not required, so we can optimize time and costs according to demand. In this context, we are bringing an approach to the workflow in the operationalization of pits/phases.
The main function of the operational pit is to provide a final mining boundary geometry in a mineral deposit such that maximum value or profit can be obtained from extraction and operationally. This approach encompasses three types of results with different levels of detail:
- Pre-Operational Pit
The pre-operationalization consists of making the geometry of the final pit considering benches defined by foot and crest, respecting the geotechnical parameters of face angles, berm size and general slope angle. In this step, the MineSight Pit Expansion tool is needed to create the foot & crest design. The final result will be a pre-operational pit lacking the insertion of ramps, but it allows for quick sketches of the final pit and/or phases or even to be used in mathematical sequencing in order to bring the results closer to reality.
- Operational Pit
Taking the Pre-Operational pit as a reference, the geometry of the final pit is prepared, considering the insertion of ramps and accesses, respecting the geotechnical parameters. The MineSight Pit Expansion tool is also used with the inclusion of ramps and accesses. The end result will be a fully operational pit with the possibility of gains from geometric adjustments.
- Optimized Operational Pit
A refinement is carried out in the operational pit, with the realization of geometric adjustments aimed mainly at the reduction of waste, minimization of ore loss, smoothing and operational improvement.
In this context, we can say that there is quality at all levels of operation, but restricted to the level of detail required. The first option is low cost and low time (a few hours), but with minimal details; the second offers even reduced costs and time with good quality (1 working day) and the third provides high quality optimization, which consequently demands more time (2 days). The highlighted times are references to the pit shown and can only be achieved using the MineSight Pit Expansion tool.
There is no exact formula for choosing the method to be used, but we would like you to reflect a little and that your choices are made based on technical criteria and according to the final objectives of the work, thus optimizing time, quality and costs.
In the same way, the optimization of your work or your team's time can be obtained through training that takes into account the methodology presented.
In future work, clearly identify your objectives, as this is the best way to balance cost-benefit. Here's our tip!
For more details about MineSight's differentiated performance, Training and Operational Services, please contact client-relations@prominas.net.
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