Are you benchmarking your 260-ton truck mining operations?

In the ever-evolving mining industry, staying competitive and ensuring operational efficiency are paramount. One of the most effective methods to achieve these goals is through benchmarking operations through simulations. Benchmarking offers a comprehensive analysis of current operations against industry standards and best practices, mainly when executed via simulations. This process identifies areas for improvement and drives innovation and operational excellence.

Why benchmarking matters

Benchmarking is a critical tool for mining companies to measure their performance against ideal operational and unique equipment performance circumstances tailored to the specific conditions of each mine. Every mining operation is distinct, and genuine improvement can only be achieved by striving for the most optimal conditions specific to each site. By measuring operations against benchmarks that aim for the most ideal circumstances, companies can identify and adopt best practices relevant to their specific conditions, uncover areas where performance can be optimized, and enhance decision-making with data-driven insights. This ensures that investments and changes are both effective and justified.

The role of simulations in benchmarking

With the appropriate software and processes, simulations enhance benchmarking by providing a dynamic and interactive method to evaluate operations. Unlike static data analysis, simulations model various scenarios and predict outcomes based on different variables, enabling companies to test changes in a virtual environment before implementing them in real-time operations. This reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

The simulation process applied by TacminMadini

TacminMadini’s extensive experience, including benchmarking for leading mining companies such as Assmang, Roy Hill, Barrick, AngloGold Ashanti, Xstrata, African Rainbow Minerals, and BHP (BECSA), coupled with advanced simulation techniques and sophisticated database-driven software, provides a robust framework for identifying improvements and implementing best practices. TacminMadini’s approach ensures that mining operations are optimized for efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness through detailed analysis and precise simulation.

1. Simulating mining and operational conditions
2. The company’s expertise applies the customer’s geological, mine design, and DTM layout models and simulates the mine site conditions using industry-standard mine simulation software. This simulation model provides essential data that are applied in follow-up processes.

1. Simulating equipment performance and productivity
2. Simulations comprise selecting the same model, size, and type of mining equipment the client uses and applying industry-standard production software using practical site factors and design software. This helps understand how the various equipment models perform, identify potential issues, and determine best practices for maximum productivity.

1. Assessing these simulations
2. Using flexible construction project management database-driven software, the company can generate cost estimates from first principles, detailing costs down to the minutest elements, even for projects worth billions of dollars. By incorporating OEM LCCs, the software allows for unlimited cost simulation probabilities, ensuring that all scenarios are thoroughly analyzed and evaluated.

Implementing the most suited simulation

The project management software facilitates detailed planning and scheduling, ensuring all improvements can be implemented. Comprehensive project control features monitor progress and resources to ensure efficient project execution. Key steps include developing a comprehensive implementation plan, allocating resources, continuous monitoring, risk management, and maintaining stakeholder communication.

Benefits to customers from deliverables

• By engaging in TacminMadini’s benchmarking and simulation services, customers will receive a multitude of benefits that directly enhance their operational efficiency and strategic positioning:
• Enhanced efficiency: Identify inefficiencies and streamline operations.
• Cost savings: Achieve significant cost reductions through targeted improvements and best practices.
• Strategic insights: Gain data-driven insights for better strategic planning and decision-making.
• Risk mitigation: Test potential changes in a virtual environment to reduce costly mistakes.
• Training: Provide a safe and effective platform for personnel training.
• Sustainability and ESG goals: Optimize operations towards sustainability and ESG targets.

Benchmarking operations through simulations is a powerful strategy for mining companies to stay competitive and drive operational excellence. TacminMadini’s extensive experience, advanced simulation techniques, and sophisticated database-driven software provide a robust framework for identifying improvements and implementing best practices. Over several years, TacminMadini has developed extensive life-cycle costing models for more than 300 different equipment models and sizes, including hauling equipment ranging from 25 to 380 payload tons and shovels with bucket capacities of up to 45 cubic meters. Benchmark simulations are possible for any type of operation, regardless of production and equipment size. We look forward to demonstrating how our benchmark studies can add significant value to your operations.