Taking a mining venture from Exploration to Production requires a system for managing the progress. A common tool for this purpose is Microsoft Project, another tool which has been successful is Mindmapping, Mindmaps were designed to map how the brain works. Below is an example of the Milestones in a Mining Startup project,
The initial job of staffing a new mine can be a very arduous task especially when an attitude of just getting “bums on seats” becomes inherent throughout the project. This attitude can lead to high turnover, staff not taking responsibility for their job/work area and teams not forming within the crews which can lead to low productivity. So being fastidious with staffing and building a workable management team early on in the mine life can save a project from failure. Below is an example of the staffing requirements for a basic open cut gold mine
The mining fleet is ultimately determined by the number and type of diggers on site. Optimising your fleet is an integral part of the startup process and can be performed using software packages such as Gencom Whittle. Below is an example of a basic mining fleet for an open cut gold mine
Mine access normally starts during the exploration phase of the project however the access is normally 4x4 only and not suitable for flat tray articulate trucks. By bringing in Dozers for clearing, Dongers and Generators for site offices and then all utilities to make the site habitable is a good starting point, below is a basic check list that can be expanded upon
The Drill & Blast team must be comprehensively manned and supplied to keep up with the mining production team and if the rock isn’t broken you can’t dig. Having a digger down is a major schedule failure and can cost the company heavily when the Operating Costs per tonne are published. Below is a list of subjects that should be considered when planning the Drill and Blast team and supplies
The Survey Team plays a vital role in managing the development and design of the Mine they also keep a check on Stockpiles, Archaeological Sites and Exploration. Survey must have the correct equipment and personnel to comprehensively fulfil their tasks below is a management check list for Survey;
