GEOVIA Whittle
Advanced Strategic Mine Planning
Discover the Profitability of End-to-End Mine Optimization
GEOVIA Whittle enables open pit mining companies to first accurately evaluate the financial viability of a mineral deposit and options for capital investment and development, then determine the optimal long-term strategic mine plan and schedule to extract the full value of that deposit over the life of the mine. Through a range of customizable components, including strategic scheduling, detailed cost, price, and recovery modelling, multiple scenario analyses, blending, cut-off and simultaneous stockpile optimization, Whittle empowers mines to achieve full, end-to-end mine optimization — a process proven to improve net present value well above pit optimization alone.
How Whittle Enhances Mining Efficiency
Strategic Planning Capabilities
Whittle significantly boosts long-term mine planning by providing strategic insights into pit design and scheduling. The software evaluates various scenarios to optimize the economic return of mine operations, taking into account geological data, market conditions, and operational constraints. This helps identify the most profitable strategy to extract minerals efficiently and sustainably.
Optimization Techniques Used
Whittle employs advanced optimization algorithms to maximize the value of mining operations. These techniques include Lerchs-Grossmann algorithms for ultimate pit limits and advanced scripting for scenario analysis, ensuring optimal resource extraction. By integrating economic, environmental, and operational data, the software delivers robust models that guide critical decision-making in mine planning.
GEOVIA Whittle Roles
Discover the world’s most comprehensive strategic mine planning role-based portfolio for surface mining.
GEOVIA Pit Optimizer
Find the optimal mining strategy utilizing a combination of economic, physical, geotechnical and operational constraints.
- Choose either Pseudoflow or Lerchs-Grossman (LG) algorithm to generate optimized pit shells
- Utilize unparalleled toolkit for high level economic evaluation of new projects and operating open pit mines
- Uncover and understand economic drivers and associated sensitivities
- Focus on NPV maximization or resource recovery
- Manage projects with an easy-to-use framework
- Analyze multiple scenarios and elements with advanced reporting and charting
GEOVIA Pushback Optimizer
Create Strategic Mine Plans linking in Milawa’s Life of Mine Scheduling approach focused on NPV or material balance.
- Determine best set of practical pushbacks or mining phases
- Develop optimal and achievable life of mine schedules
- Handle complex mining and processing constraints
- Calculate NPV based on realistic schedules supporting up to 50 pushbacks
GEOVIA Blend Optimizer
Optimize blend considering the schedule and existing stockpiles to ensure these are optimized at the same time, driven by the overall objective of maximizing the Net Present Value (NPV) of the whole operation.
- Blend optimization based on Whittle schedules or imported schedule
- Bulk blend scenario analysis considering multiple products with different specifications, prices, blending costs and blending limits
- Handle multiple coal specifications and constraints such as minimum BTU, max ash and sulphur
- Perform extractive blend factoring in blending costs and constraints, such as process recovery, prices and selling costs while limits are applied to the extractive process
- Handle multiple stockpiles, different cut-offs, time dependant recoveries, initial size and grade while utilizing Whittles scheduling engine to determine the optimal blend strategy
*Prerequisites: GEOVIA Pushback Optimizer
GEOVIA Multi-Mine Optimizer
Perform a single optimization over a complex collection of mines all while maintaining individual work constraints for each mine. Producing a more realistic overall schedule from the different areas all within the one optimization framework.
- Run a single optimization over a whole mining complex
- Apply individual work constraints for each mine within a complex
- Define unique physical constraints for each mine, such as mining width
- Modify mining rate per mine in different scenarios
- View, report and analyze all or individual mines in one go
*Prerequisites: GEOVIA Pushback Optimizer.
GEOVIA Simultaneous Optimizer
Simultaneously optimize schedules, cut-offs, stockpiles and blend for the life of the operation. Find better outcomes compared to traditional methods resulting in higher Net Present Value (NPV) for the operation.
- Increase NPV beyond multiple sequential optimization mechanisms
- Simultaneously optimize the optimization mechanisms for cut-off, blending, stockpiling and sequencing to create the ultimate mine schedule
- Make individual optimization mechanisms more accessible in a single step
- Analyze and report using both standard Whittle outputs and advanced spreadsheet reporting
- Handle 30 processing paths as well as capital or CAPEX optimization
*Prerequisites: GEOVIA Pushback Optimizer
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GEOVIA Strategic Mine Planning FAQ
The Life of Mine Plan (LOMP) is the official long-term strategy for the mine, chosen following a thorough SOA analysis. It's the optimal plan aligned with the company's objectives and sets the foundation for developing shorter-term plans.
Effective mine planning is crucial for mining industry success, enabling better decision-making, the establishment of robust safety protocols, and the enhancement of operational efficiency.
The specific processes involved in mine planning can vary depending on the type of mining (e.g., open-pit, underground), the size of the operation, the geological conditions, and other factors. However, here are the key processes typically involved in mine planning:
- Exploration and Resource Assessment. The accuracy of resource estimation and exploration efforts directly impacts a mining company's long-term viability and future profitability.
- Geotechnical Studies. Ensuring the structural integrity of mine infrastructure is crucial for safety and the sustainability of mining operations over the long haul.
- Mining Method Selection. The choice of mining method significantly influences the mine's production potential, environmental impact, and financial outlook.
- Mine Design. Efficient mine design is essential for optimizing resource recovery and minimizing operational costs throughout the life of the mine.
- Equipment and Infrastructure Planning. Investing in the right equipment and infrastructure is a long-term commitment that directly affects a mining company's productivity and competitiveness.
- Production Scheduling. Strategic production scheduling ensures a steady supply of minerals to meet market demands and secure future revenue.
- Environmental and Permitting. Compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable practices is essential for the long-term reputation and legal standing of mining companies.
- Cost Estimation and Financial Analysis. Accurate financial analysis guides investment decisions, impacting a mining company's profitability and future growth.
- Safety and Risk Management. Prioritizing safety and risk mitigation is vital for the well-being of employees and the long-term sustainability of mining operations.
- Monitoring and Adaptation. Continual monitoring and adaptation help mining companies stay resilient and responsive to evolving conditions in the industry.
- Closure and Reclamation. Planning for mine closure and reclamation is essential for addressing long-term environmental responsibilities and ensuring legacy.
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