Open-pit and underground mine optimisation; design; scheduling and life of mine planning
Our international operational experience in large and small open-pit and underground mines covers a wide range of commodities and operation types including conventional strip mining to deep level underground. Commodities covered have been across the spectrum, with more recent commodities being iron ore, base metals, gold, graphite, nickel and uranium.
Optiro’s mining engineers have experience in all facets of mining engineering both open pit and underground, from the optimisation of the ore body, to the planned mine design and scheduling of complex grade constraints to the life of mine plan development and financial modelling.
Our experience also covers the transition from open-pit to underground operations.
Operational optimisation
With an extensive knowledge and understanding of the resources industry worldwide, Optiro’s team is qualified to provide an Operational Optimisation service as a staged solution to sustainably improve operational performance in mining operations. This process is focused on sustainable outcomes so the mines can continue operations at optimised levels well after the changes have been implemented.
Optiro sees the success of operational optimisation as a “no nonsense” whole of business approach. Strategic sessions and integrated workshops are combined with out of the box thinking and a strong technical understanding of the challenge.
Our approach to Operational Optimisation is all about realising opportunities and implementing team programmes that are developed within the business. Once the opportunities are identified, the areas of influence are segmented into localised strategies:
- Development of operational strategies
- Quality improvement programmes
- Operational process improvement
- Sustainable operational improvement and implementation
- Sustainable organisational changes
The substantial technical expertise of our team, in conjunction with proven, robust methodologies, allows us to stand behind our solutions. Optiro consultants are more than happy to get their sleeves rolled up and to work with teams on site to understand and appreciate the issues they face. We understand that sustainable organisational change takes time and cannot be shortcut. We will support you for as long as it takes, beyond the initial conclusion of the change programme, to ensure that the changes have become part of the ongoing culture.
Audit and review
Through our exposure to a variety of operations and our significant experience base in a variety of commodities, we are continually exposed to modern industry practice and are able to form and consistently refine our views on best industry practice. Optiro can work with you to implement best industry practice at your operation. This can be a most cost-effective way to remove bottlenecks, reduce costs, introduce innovative efficiencies and develop more compliant systems.
Reviews can take place at any level of detail, from fatal-flaw assessments of potential project acquisitions, through process reviews (which focus on the methodology and procedures applied) to reviews which focus on specific areas, such as mine design, schedules, ore reserve compliance, operating performance to plan, safety performance, data handling, operating and capital cost reviews, reconciliation systems, supervisory and management organisation and control.
Mining Project Development Studies – Scoping; Pre-feasibility and Feasibility studies
We complete mining studies from conceptual/scoping level to detailed feasibility studies and implementation plans. Our experience also covers open-pit to underground transition. We can also provide the Lead Project Management role for a Feasibility study compilation.
Our international operational experience in large and small open-pit and underground mines covers a wide range of commodities and operation types including conventional strip mining to deep level underground. Commodities covered have been across the spectrum, with more recent commodities being iron ore, base metals, gold, graphite, nickel and uranium.
Ore reserve estimation
We have generated a wide range of ore reserve reports for the world’s major reporting codes e.g. JORC, SAMREC, NI 43-101, SEC/Sarbanes Oxley. We are adept at NI 43-101 ore reserve reports for the Canadian market, Competent Persons reports for the JSE exchange and all manner of JORC Code compliant public ore reserve reporting for the ASX.
Commodities covered have been across the spectrum, with recent concentration on iron ore, base metals, gold, graphite, nickel and uranium. Due to our experience and exposure, we are able to compile most ore reserve reports and complete the required CP and Qualified Persons sign-off statements.
Financial modelling
Optiro provides specialist tailored services to clients seeking to develop financial models for their projects, businesses or proposed transactions. Our disciplined approach and structured methodologies developed over many years are a key step in mitigating your decision making risk.
We develop complete financial models for all stages of project development including scoping, pre-feasibility and feasibility study and optimisation. Our comprehensive models will typically include
A physical schedule(s) and an ability to incorporate multiple cases, should this be required.
Optiro’s internationally recognised audit and evaluation system
Optiro has developed an internationally recognised system for the audit and evaluation of Ore Reserve estimates and the assessment of compliance to JORC, SOX and other international standards. The system identifies the level of compliance to industry best-practice and provides a risk-based series of actions required to address the desired levels of compliance.
Due diligence review
Optiro can provide a complete range of due diligence services for both the seller and acquirer. Our range of due diligence reviews can be from a high level / fatal flaw type to a full in depth review covering all technical aspects (resources, reserves, mining, processing, logistics and administration) of a due diligence, as well as including full environmental, legal and financial due diligence.
Independent Mining Engineering reports (ITRs)
Optiro has written or co-authored a large number of independent technical reports over a variety of commodities and project locations for listing, valuation or M&A purposes. Our principals are able to provide clear, compliant, concise and well-written documents which offer value.
CP, QP and compliance public reporting
We have generated a wide range of reports for the world’s major markets and (e.g. JORC, SAMREC, NI 43-101, SEC/Sarbanes Oxley, ISO 18001) and are able to write, review or enhance your public reporting, making sure that any compliance issues are dealt with.
We are adept at NI 43-101 reports for the Canadian market, Competent Persons reports for the JSE exchange and all manner of JORC Code compliant public reporting for the ASX. We are often called upon to review and edit public offerings and can ensure that your project is presented in the best and most technically-accurate manner.
Board strategic direction setting and support
Optiro provides mining industry decision makers support in the establishment and management of business strategy. We offer strategic advice grounded on a solid understanding of the fundamental drivers of a successful mining business and our appreciation of the technical complications and commercial risks inherent in resource industry projects can help you find your way through the maze.
