gruvplanering

Gruvplanering is the systematic process of designing and scheduling mining operations to extract minerals efficiently while managing safety, economics, and environmental impacts. In practice it covers the development of a mine plan from exploration data through production, typically organized into strategic long-term planning and tactical short-term planning. The planning process includes geological modeling, resource estimation, ore and waste classification, and mine design, as well as sequencing, material handling, ventilation and ground control for underground operations, and blast design and grade control for open pits.

For open-pit mines, optimization methods such as the Lerchs-Goldmann algorithm are commonly used to determine the most economical pit outline and sequence, while underground planning focuses on stoping patterns, access development, and ventilation requirements. The life-of-mine plan outlines expected production, capital and operating costs, equipment needs, and timelines, and is updated as new geological or economic information becomes available.

Key outputs of gruvplanering include a block model, a mine design, a production schedule, a cut-off grade policy, and a cost plan. The process must consider regulatory requirements, safety standards, and environmental management, including mine closure planning and land rehabilitation. It interfaces with the processing plant, infrastructure, and supply chains, and relies on robust data management, risk assessment, and scenario analysis to handle uncertainty. Software tools for gruvplanering encompass specialized mining design and scheduling programs, often integrated with geological modeling systems. Overall, gruvplanering aims to maximize resource recovery, minimize operating costs, and ensure safe, compliant operations throughout the mine’s life.