A deep dive into the world of short term mine planning. Every mine could have a different classification of short term planning. Some mines could have it at 3 months and others at 1 month and less. But the general idea is as highlighted in the text below. From the start of an entire mineral exploration to the end of it we have many holes drilled which will be logged with all sorts of properties and material types. These data sets are then put in place together and are processed through software’s which create what we call a block model. This block model includes lots of information such as material strength. Economic materials present as well as the percentages at each position in a 3D space (x,y,z) This 3D model is what we use to create the entire pit outline. (This is the most economical extraction method and sequence of the mineral deposit in order to maintain our profitability at the mining operation) The long term planning team will generally give a projection or forecast for an entire 2 years to maybe about 5 years. The short term planning team has to strategize and navigate the constraints to meet these numbers on a monthly basis. Weekly basis and daily basis. Tracking the ore feed and waste movement closely. Making plans with very clear instructions in order for the team to execute the operations without ambiguity. Softwares on the market operate differently, the one I’m familiar with is Deswik. This software is designed such that you merge the pit design together with the current topography and include the block model inside of the pit design. You then start selecting machines and utilize them to mine out blasted material as well as material you intend to blast. Mining is done with a single unit throughout the end of the month. As you mine with each unit there will be a report that will keep being generated which will include ore and waste numbers. You continue with this process and sometimes you may have to change the strategy or mining direction in order to meet the budgeted numbers. When all other strategies aren’t really giving you the desired copper numbers you are seeking. You may have to explain your reasons to senior management and let them know of the major constraints you are facing. Through experience they could give you better guidance on how to schedule. Sometimes we have to bite the bullet and ensure we fast track other projects when we’re struggling with ore. Some of the projects we fast track is things such as ramp developments that can potentially lead us into better ore blocks with better grades. Ultimately short term mine planning is an integrated function among the process plant, mining operations and mining technical team. Making real time decisions to ensure constant flow of material and optimization of mining to achieve the best possible result on a month to month basis. The block model = the mine WE MINE FOR PROFIT TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT