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and marking the face for the next cycle. To this end, the mine
schedule usually makes provision for up to four faces, each at a
different step of the cycle.
Streamlining the workflow
Streamlining the workflow aids in minimising the
turnaround time of data gathered and entered by the
technical services department to keep the short-term
planning on track. This generally requires regular feedback
meetings to have sign-offs done or squad checks done on
data, maps, or drawings.
Optimising the mine plan can require completing
multiple plan layouts and schedules, examining the results,
and choosing the most cost-effective scenario. This can be
done by combining the short- and long- term planning
and schedule model areas into one model with a standard
grid cell size. Eliminating the need to build more than one
geological model and increasing automation can reduce
model building time by 50–75%. Using an integrated mine
planning and geological modelling system will also improve
the process flow. Survey plan progress map generation can
be automated when a scheduling system is integrated with
the CAD system. By implementing this change, time to
complete long-term mine plans can be reduced by 40–60%.
Mine planning and scheduling should also take cognisance
of potential bottlenecks. Upstream areas in the process
can be constrained by input in the downstream activities.
Bottlenecks commonly occur when data must be shared
between two processes that use different standalone
applications, requiring format conversion of data. This is the
case where data from spreadsheet data needs to be combined
with computer aided drawing (CAD) data.
Accurate mine plans enable the mining and process
engineers to predict when a significant capital investment
in new equipment would be required to handle a potential
increase in overburden volumes or sales volume. This is
especially critical in modular processing plant or facilities, or
where a ‘just in time’ approach is followed. b
A range of products built on the foundation of quality
and durability
Aggregates
Concrete Based Products
Industrial Minerals
Contracting International
Commodities
Inspiring growth through the consistent
delivery of solutions that empower our people
and our customers.
Afrimat Limited has established a strong foothold in contracting services through
its Contracting International division operating from the Western Cape and
Gauteng. Services include mobile crushing, screening, drilling and blasting,
commercial quarries and readymix which offers mobility beyond fi xed areas
of operation.
Afrimat offers services for bulk blasting in quarry and opencast mining and
specialised restricted blasting in built-up areas and also blast designs for
specialised blasting needs.
The division operates in South Africa and internationally providing the full service
package for all drilling and blasting, mobile hard rock crushing and screening
services, load and haul and readymix solutions.
Contracting International applies our expertise and years of experience in
these fi elds to prepare bids for major clients in the construction, quarry and
mining industry.
Contracting International is part of Afrimat Limited, a leading black empowered
open pit mining company.
www.afrimat.co.za
Tel +27 21 917 8840 Fax +27 21 914 1174
SEPTEMBER 2018 MINING MIRROR
[33]
[email protected]