Mining core
Mine Planning & Design
5 self-contained study topics — notes, diagrams, formulas, and worked examples for exams and GATE.
Topics
- Reserve EstimationReserve estimation combines volume, bulk density, and grade into tonnage and metal content; cut-off grade g_c separates economic from waste material. UNFC/JORC classification ties confidence to drill spacing and geostatistics.
- Mine Layout DesignMine layout optimises pit shell, haul roads, and underground declines against geotechnical limits and haul cost. Lerchs-Grossmann finds maximum-value pit shell; ramp gradient and width follow equipment specs and DGMS safety berms.
- Production SchedulingProduction scheduling sequences extraction to maximise NPV, not peak rate — pushbacks defer waste stripping while maintaining mill feed. Mine life L = reserves / annual production; utilisation tracks effective operating hours.
- Equipment SelectionEquipment selection matches loader passes to truck load time and sizes fleet from productivity balance. Match factor MF near 1.0 avoids loader or truck idle time; availability and utilisation drive effective fleet output.
- Economic Evaluation of Mine PlansMine economics compares alternatives using NPV, IRR, and payback on discounted cash flows. Indian projects must include royalty (MMDR rates), DMF contribution, and tax in feasibility studies submitted to IBM.