Exploration geology is the process of finding commercially viable mineral resources. The objective is to locate these resources in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost.
Mine / pit design is in an open cast operation, is based upon a series of ledges or benches. Waste and minerals from the excavation are removed in successive layers, each creating a new bench and resulting in a visual "stair step" effect down into the earth. Underground mine design is focussed on ascertaining the optimal series of shafts, logistical tunnels and finally ore passses and stopes, to extract the minerals in the most safe and efficient way possible.
The process that enables the correct order of mine development activities and assign the required resources (both humans and machines), while maximizing resource utilization.
The process where the outcomes of the scheduling is converted by adding line-item-wise costs to all activities. This produces production budgets, financial models and investor friendly documents, for purposes of raising project funding.
Provision of health and safety requirements, appropriately skilled staff, equipment, maintenance, security, procurement, finance and all services to enable a complete mining operation.
Based on the appropriate geological and metallurgical information, a fit-for-purpose mineral processing plant is designed.