| Whittle Consulting specialises in the modelling and optimisation of complex mining and mineral processing operations. | |
| Its approach to Multi-Asset Global Optimisation involves using analytical techniques to construct a model of the mining/ processing operation from the ore body, through the mining and ore treatment process, to products sold to the market. Once modelled, a powerful mathematical optimiser is applied to control the variables which are regarded as ‘negotiable’ to develop long-term plans that excel in terms of a wide range of economic and other operational and corporate criteria. | |
| ...our optimisation models are generally the quickest and most economic means of getting definitive answers...whether driven by mining, processing, marketing or finance. |  |
| Modelling techniques and facilities are now very comprehensive, and the optimiser has sufficient power to control models of significant scale and complexity. The result is a unique capability to achieve planning objectives beyond the limitations of available packaged software. | |
| Once the ore body and mining structure are dealt with, the focus is to represent the processing parameters and sensitivities for cost, throughput and recovery, and allow the optimiser to control both the mining and selected processing parameters to achieve what can best be described as a ‘global’ optimisation. In this case, the mining schedule responds to the options and sensitivities of the processing system it is feeding, and processing in turn adjusts to mining opportunities and difficulties. | |
| In these circumstances Whittle Consulting is achieving combined optimisation of: | |
| - All periods simultaneously (using Net Present Value)
typically over a 5 to 25 year horizon - Mining Schedule - Mining Methods (if alternatives exist) - Ultimate pit limits - Stockpiling of mined material - Stockpiling of processed material - Dynamic cut-off grades between choice of processing, stockpiling and waste - Selection of processing/benefication path - Processing calibration | |
| - Blending - Product mix/specification | |
| Benefits from applying this approach can be obtained in many ways: | |
| - Lower cost for the same output - More output with the same resources - Better capacity utilisation - Accelerated metal throughput - Better product specification - Extended mine life - Reduced capital investment - Improved Return on Investment due to investment/ cost/ revenue retiming - Value of information/knowledge/understanding on the drivers and options of the performance of the mining/processing business | |
| “Knowledge itself is power” emphasises Gerald Whittle, Managing Director of Whittle Consulting. This process is really about learning about the drivers of value within the business and focusing management attention of the strategic options that really make a difference. | |
| “Once constructed, our optimisation models are generally the quickest and most economic means of getting definitive answers to a wide range of major strategic questions, whether driven by mining, processing, marketing or finance. As such, this provides invaluable analytical support to enable mining companies to harmonise their strategies across all the stages of their value chain, and to exploit/manage flexibilities and sensitivities that exist within their extensive geological and technical plant asset portfolios.” | |
| Whittle’s approach to “Multi-Asset Global Optimisation” is applicable when a mining company has two or more of the following issues: | |
| - Multiple pits/underground mines - Multiple elements - Alternative mining methods - Stockpiling possibilities - Alternative processing/benefication options - Multiple or alternative products - Blending opportunity or requirement | |
| The combination of complexity and flexibility creates both challenges and opportunity that can best be explored using the most powerful techniques available. | |